By Nick Wright
Broncos recruit Jaiyden Hunt believes his adaptability could prove his most valuable asset, as his new club ponders its next move regarding an influential leader.
Reports emerged last week that veteran edge forward Kurt Capewell had met with the New Zealand Warriors to discuss a long-term deal across the ditch, inciting speculation he could be on the move this preseason.
Any early release of Kurt Capewell would greatly affect Brisbane’s chances of avenging their premiership defeat.Credit: Getty
That would require Brisbane to release the 30-year-old before the end of his current contract, which expires in 2024. The club is reportedly not set to offer him a new deal as it juggles salary cap demands.
It has re-signed young second rowers Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura, will look to upgrade Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh, and already gave lucrative extensions to Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.
This has limited the Broncos’ ability to keep the bulk of its pricey grand final contingent together long-term – despite already losing Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler and Keenan Palasia.
Capewell’s early release would also greatly affect Brisbane’s chances of avenging their premiership defeat, given the wealth of experience he brings to the squad.
While Warriors CEO Cameron George said on SEN radio on Monday he was not confident Capewell would be in Kiwi colours in 2024, he would be eager to discuss an early move and was hopeful of securing the nine-time Queensland Maroon long-term.
Should that eventuate, Hunt declared he was up for the fight to cover the loss of the premiership-winner, having studied his game in a bid to become an NRL regular.
“It’s more his chat and work off the ball, he’s always got his edge, and he’s the leader of that edge in defence. If you’re a great edge defender, your halves don’t have to make as many tackles, so that’s the main thing I see,” Hunt said.
“I’m whatever the team needs, whatever [coach] Kevvie [Walters] wants. If he wants me to play backrow, I’ll play backrow; if he wants me to play in the middle, I’ll play in the middle.
Back-rower Kurt Capewell has injected crucial leadership into the Broncos, and his loss would leave a huge void.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
“I’ll try hard in every single area of those positions. [When I got the call from the Broncos] they said [they were interested] because I’m big enough to play middle and the backrow, so there was a really good opportunity for me to come off the bench and I can cover both positions.”
Hunt – who played local Brisbane rugby league with Broncos coach Kevin Walters’ son, Jack, as well as junior football with hooker Billy – played 14 games for the St George-Illawarra Dragons since his 2021 debut.
The 25-year-old, who weighs in at 111 kilograms, revealed that, despite having a year left on his contract with the Red V, he was told there was no place for him as incoming coach Shane Flanagan sought to shake up the flailing outfit.
But Hunt said he was used to fighting for his future, and the preseason contest for Broncos’ spots was just another battle for him to overcome.
“I just got told at the Dragons that with the reshuffle and new coaches, there wasn’t really a spot for me there, and I was still contracted there for next year,” Hunt said.
“Then, out of nowhere, my manager called me and said the Broncos were really interested to have me there, and I said I’d jump there in a heartbeat.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t the greatest rugby league player, I just played for the fun of it, then it just kind of took off.
“I was never in the Queensland sides growing up, I was never in the up-and-coming sides, I’ve always had to fight every step of the way.
“I’m just used to it, I guess.”
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