By Nick Wright
Kurt Capewell emerged as one of the Broncos most influential figures during his tenure in Brisbane, bringing an uncompromising and hard-nosed ethic to Red Hill.
But having been granted a release 12-months before the end of his contract to take up a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors, the reigning grand finalists desperately need to fill the void that has been left.
Kurt Capewell has joined the Warriors.Credit: Getty
“It’s a huge impact on the club, he’s a senior player here and obviously came in at the same time I did and did such a wonderful job on the field,” Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said.
“But I think it’s the part off the field that’s most valuable about Kurt – his professionalism around training and the standards he sets, he was a big part of this club and why we had so much success last year.”
The retention of young edge forwards Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura has given the Broncos the makings of a powerful backrow, hence why the 30-year-old Capewell could not be guaranteed a future.
What his premature exit has done, however, is leave Brisbane desperately short of depth in the second row.
Recruits Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt are both capable of playing there, but each are better suited to the middle. The loss of props Thomas Flegler (Dolphins) and Keenan Palasia (Titans) may ensure they remain up front.
Brisbane have three open spots in their top 30, however if they were to go to the open market, they would be unlikely to chase a high-profile name, as they seek to upgrade the likes of Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo over the next two seasons.
Coach Kevin Walters will watch over a train-and-trial group in the preseason who have been rewarded for their Queensland Cup form, with Burleigh’s Joshua Patston among them.
The Bears have a history of converting QCup regulars into NRL opportunists: Josh Rogers (Broncos), Jamal Fogarty (Titans and Raiders), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans) and Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors) recent examples.
Burleigh coach and Parramatta Eels legend Luke Burt revealed when he got wind Patston was playing local rugby league in Northern New South Wales, he was quick to bring him into the fold.
While he admitted there were some areas for Patston to fine-tune, the 25-year-old had the means to follow in the footsteps of Burleigh’s recent top-line graduates.
“He’s a lot bigger and thick-set than most people think, he’s a really big body – about 108kg,” Burt told this masthead.
“He’s a good 80-minute worker, and the reason why he’s earned that is because he’s a top-class QCup [player]. I think he’s got a fair bit of learning in the technical side of things, so this will do him a world of good.
“[There’s] probably just a few defensive movements [he needs to work on], and he needs to develop a bit more with the ball, a bit more variety. The physical side he’s got no dramas, he’s got a really good work ethic, he’s got the size and the natural ability.
“I have no doubt he could make an impression at that level.”
Second rowers off contract in 2024
Klese Haas - The brother of Broncos superstar Payne Haas could be the most likely option for Brisbane to sign should they choose to head to the open market. Just 21 years old, and yet to cement himself in the Titans full strength side, he will face hefty competition this season from David Fifita, Beau Fermor, Joe Stimson and Jacob Alick for game time. The latter two are also off contract in 2024.
The highest profile edge forwards off contract are Angus Crichton and Jaydn Su’A, however both will likely be beyond the Broncos’ price range.
Irrespective of how the Broncos cover Capewell’s absence, his wealth of leadership, Origin experience, and premiership-winning know-how will be difficult to replace.
But Reynolds backed the club’s emerging talent to make a statement.
“We’ve seen in the past younger players get an opportunity and do well. A couple of years ago Zac Hosking came out of reserve grade and did an outstanding job and got a contract at Penrith and has only gone on,” Reynolds said.
“Brendan Piakura is obviously one that comes to mind, he only had a handful of games before last year and played really well, took his opportunities, and got a spot in the grand final.
“Other boys will do the same this year, and they’ll impress. They’ll be hungry to get out there and do a job and there might be a few surprises as well.”
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