Brothers Blake and Aaron Moore shape as CQ Capras new halves pairing

Coach Lionel Harbin has been looking at different halves combinations following the retirement of long-serving skipper Jack Madden. See how the team’s star siblings could provide the answer.

The CQ Capras squad for 2025 is building well. Photo: Luke Fletcher

The mighty Moore boys are shaping up as the likely halves pairing for the CQ Capras this season.

The retirement of long-serving captain Jack Madden meant head coach Lionel Harbin was on the lookout for a new halfback - and he may well have found him in his dynamic number one.

Blake Moore has been one of the team’s most consistent performers at fullback but he has been training alongside his brother and five-eighth Aaron for much of the pre-season.

Blake Moore could be making the shift from fullback to halfback this season. Photo: Luke Fletcher

It’s a combination that has impressed Harbin and one which will be put to the test when the Capras take on the Dolphins in their trial game at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval on Saturday, February 8.

“They’ve played a lot of footy together so they’ve obviously got a really good combination to build on,” Harbin said.

“They’re different types of players - they both bring different things, which is good for us.”

Harbin is excited to see what the Moores produce against the Dolphins but said the halfback position was not yet locked in, with the likes of new recruit Noah Ryan also pressing his claim for the number seven jersey.

Five-eighth Aaron Moore might be lining up with his brother Blake in the halves. Photo Luke Fletcher

The Capras are also looking to fill several other key positions left vacant by the departure of hooker Trey Brown and utility forward Lachlan Hubner.

“While Trey and Hubbie were relatively young, they’d played a lot of Cup footy and Jack had played well over 100 games so there’s a lot of experience lost there,” he said.

“The leadership of Blake Moore and Tyler Szepanowski has been really good and it’s great to have Nixon Putt back who’s played a lot of footy at a high level.”

The CQ Capras squad is building nicely for the 2025 season. Photo: Luke Fletcher

The Capras have also signed towering forward Ben Condon, who returns to the club after 17 NRL appearances with the North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles.

Harbin said Tane Kiriona was looking sharp after his pre-Christmas stint with the Dolphins and young gun Khaiya Waiemba was ready to make a big impression in his second season.

The Capras would also welcome back Cooper Marshall and Larson Dale Doyle, who are currently on a train and trial with the Dolphins.

“Squad-wise we’re in a good position but there’s still a lot of work to be done on the field,” Harbin said.

Originally published as Brothers Blake and Aaron Moore shape as CQ Capras new halves pairing