NRL contract news: Kurt Capewell released by Broncos, signs three-year deal with Warriors

Liam O'Loughlin

NRL contract news: Kurt Capewell released by Broncos, signs three-year deal with Warriors image

Kurt Capewell will officially join his fourth NRL club next year, with the representative back-rower granted a release by the Broncos and signing a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

The 30-year-old had been at Brisbane for the past two seasons, playing an integral role in their return to finals football and their recent grand final appearance, but was not in the club's plans beyond next year.

Capewell had been linked with a move to Auckland for the past month, with the Broncos opting to retain the likes of Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura on long-term deals.

With over 130 first grade appearances and a premiership to his name, Capewell will add valuable experience in the forward pack for the Wahs, who also just re-signed captain Tohu Harris until 2025

MORE: Wallabies flyer confirms code switch with two-year Roosters deal

Kurt Capewell officially joins New Zealand Warriors until 2026

In a statement released on Thursday, Warriors coach Andrew Webster lauded the recruitment and believes Capewell will become a leader at the club over the next three seasons.

“Kurt is a winner with tremendous passion and a terrific work ethic,” he said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with him when we were both at Penrith and I know from that experience that he’ll add so much to our squad and to the club in an overall sense.

“He totally fits the profile of the type of player we want at the One New Zealand Warriors.”

Capewell's release comes as the Broncos attempt to lock in some of their brightest young stars, with both Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh in need of significant upgrades after breakout campaigns.

Kevin Walters bid farewell to the former Origin second-rower and thanked him for his contribution at Red Hill.

"Capes has played an important role for us over the past couple of seasons, both on and off the field as we laid down the foundations to turn things around as a club," he said. 

“He is a great bloke and a wonderful servant of our game, and he has made a big impact at our club in a short period of time since joining us in 2021. You won’t find many people who have a bad word to say about Kurt.

"On behalf of everyone at the Broncos, I'd like to thank Capes for all his efforts at the club and we wish him well.”

Capewell will likely partner Marata Niukore in the edge back-row position in 2024, while young gun Piakura is expected to fill the void left behind at Brisbane. 

Kurt Capewell 2023 NRL stats

Games 24
Tries 6
Linebreaks 9
Linebreak Assists 5
Offloads 16
Avg. Run Metres 83m
Avg. Tackles 30
Tackle Efficiency 89%

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.