Brisbane Broncos veteran Kurt Capewell has declared his desire to finish his career with the club but he will put contract extension talks on hold until the end of the season.
Coming off contract at the end of 2024, the 30-year-old edge forward is free to negotiate with rival outfits from November 1, but has no intentions of moving anywhere unless forced.
Brisbane back-rower Kurt Capewell is hopeful of finishing his NRL career with the Broncos.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
As one of only two premiership-winning players in Brisbane’s line-up, along with captain Adam Reynolds, Capewell’s influence in the lead-up to Friday night’s qualifying final against Melbourne will be crucial.
The two-time Panthers title winner played his under-20s football with the Broncos before kickstarting his career with Cronulla and Penrith.
But Capewell was steadfast he did not want to leave until his childhood team was on top of the NRL world once again.
“They are a great squad. What drew me here was the chance to be part of something special, which was getting the Broncos back to where they should be and that’s on top,” Capewell said.
Capewell said he didn’t want to leave the Broncos until the team was back on top, “where they should be”.Credit: Getty
“We’re not there yet, it’s something we’re going to continue to work towards, and hopefully, we can start that this weekend.
“Obviously, growing up in Queensland you’d love to stay here and play for the Broncos your whole career. I’m back at the Broncos now, and I want to get the job done for the Broncos, and I’d love to finish up here.
“Hopefully I can extend, but I’m not too worried about that, though. I’m just focused on footy and trying to win a trophy. I’d love to finish my career here at the Broncos.”
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is set to make a shock selection call for his side this week, with veteran winger Corey Oates in the firing line.
It has been a disrupted campaign for the 28-year-old, having battled knee injuries and a broken jaw that restricted him to just nine games.
In Oates’ absence, Jesse Arthars has risen above and turned in his finest season to date – scoring eight tries and making 14 line breaks from 17 appearances.
Arthars was seen training on the left flank with the main side to start the week, and Capewell said whomever of the pair was called up would respond to the challenge.
Corey Oates celebrates a try against the Eels.Credit: Getty
“Both of those blokes have played tremendous footy all year, and no matter who ends up playing on the weekend, they’ll both do the job,” Capewell said.
“They’re tremendous footballers in their own right, and whoever gets the opportunity there should be grateful for it.
“I see a great bond off the field [in the squad], superstar talent and the work ethic to be the best that they can be. It’s been a real driving force of our team this year, continuously getting better week in week out.
“That’s what it takes to win a comp and I think we can.”
