Capewell: Broncos have what it takes to win NRL title

Kurt Capewell took a big gamble when he packed up his bags and left NRL premiers Penrith to follow his heart and sign a three-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos in 2022.

He had been part of back-to-back NRL Grand Final appearances with the Panthers in 2020 and 2021, but the 30-year-old from Charleville, 744km west of Brisbane, always wanted to play for the Broncos.

His decision to follow his heart cost him a premiership last year when the Panthers beat Parramatta 28-12 in the decider.

At the same time, his new club crashed out of the finals with a late-season collapse.

The script this year has been written, but not yet finished, and the Broncos are a big chance of rewarding Capewell’s leap of faith with a premiership victory next month.

“What drew me here was the chance to be part of something special,” said Capewell, who began his rugby league journey with Cronulla in 2016 and continued with 32 games and a 2021 premiership ring with Penrith.

“Growing up in Queensland I always wanted to stay here and play for a club like the Broncos your whole career.

“Unfortunately, I had to go down to Sydney. I had a great time down there with the Sharks and Penrith, but I am back at the Broncos.

“I’d love to finish my career here at the Broncos.”

Brisbane’s quest for a seventh premiership title, and their first since 2006, kicks off with Friday night’s second qualifying final against Melbourne, a hoodoo club that has not lost to the Broncos since 2009.

“We’ve been building all year toward this,” said Capewell, a key part of a Broncos outfit which, unlike last year, has improved every week.

Brisbane hosted Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night, going down 32-22 in a game which featured many up-and-coming young players.

The teams that will run out this weekend will bear absolutely no resemblance to those two sides, with the winner earning a week off.

This time they lock horns with all their gun players on duty, although veteran winger Corey Oates appears to have lost his spot to Jessie Arthurs.

However, Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds, forward leader Patrick Carrigan, and the Melbourne duo of Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant are all expected back on deck.

While Capewell conceded Melbourne had it all over Brisbane in terms of NRL finals experience, he remained confident his team had enough big-game experience and talent to get the job done.

Asked why he felt Brisbane could go all the way, the Queensland forward said there were a number of factors and characteristics within the team that coach Kevin Walters had developed over the course of the season.

“There’s a great bond off the field and superstar talent on it, combined with a work ethic where everyone wants to be the best they can be,” he said.

“It’s been a real driving force behind this team to be better, week in and week out.

“That’s what it takes to win a comp, and I think we’ve got that in us.”

Capewell was asked the obvious question about why Brisbane have so much trouble beating Melbourne.

“They’re a great team in their own right,” he said.

“They don’t ever beat themselves, they never let you in the game, and you have to make sure you take you opportunities when they come and stop theirs when you can.”

Penrith, who took the minor premiership off Brisbane with their 44-10 win over the Cowboys in the last round, have been the best defensive side in the competition again this year.

“We tried hard to improve our defence while continuing to play our flamboyant style of attack,” Capewell said.

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