Kurt Capewell’s immediate move to the Warriors is reportedly “highly likely” to take place after being given permission to depart the Broncos early.
That is according to Nine News’ Ben Dobbin, who is reporting that Brisbane powerbrokers informed the experienced backrower his services aren’t required past his current deal.
Capewell is contracted until the end of 2024 but has a big decision looming regarding a trans-Tasman move.
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“It’s highly likely that Kurt Capewell has played his last game for the Brisbane Broncos, he’s contracted next year in 2024 but the Broncos have informed him that they would not be signing him for any further years after that,” Dobbin said.
“He hasn’t made up his mind yet but the Broncos, talking to them today, have given him his blessing if he wanted to take up that (deal) and give him an early release.”
The Warriors have reportedly tabled a three-year deal to acquire the experienced backrower, having previously worked with Andrew Webster at the Panthers.
Capewell and Webster were spotted meeting at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on Friday night having toured the club’s facilities that day.
The Broncos have already re-signed backrow duo Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura, paving the way for Capewell to depart the Red Hill club.
The Warriors want Capewell’s experience and winning mentality to help take their young forward pack to the next level.
The 30-year-old was at the Sharks when they won the 2016 grand final and won a premiership with Penrith in 2021 before making the decider with Brisbane last season.
Capewell’s departure would also ease the Broncos’ salary cap pressure, with superstars Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam due contract upgrades.
TIGERS YOUNG GUN’S DECISION
Wests Tigers young gun Junior Tupou is reportedly being chased by two NRL rivals for 2025 and beyond.
The Daily Telegraph reported Tupou is in the sights of the Raiders and the Roosters when his contract expires in November 2024.
The 21-year-old cemented his spot in the Tigers team last season scoring six tries in 22 games to take his career tally to eight from 26 matches since his debut in 2022.
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The flying winger, who can also play in the centres led the Tigers in linebreaks and tackle busts in 2023 and has cemented his place in the backline ahead of the 2024 season.
He also debuted for Tonga in 2023, with one Test to his namer to date.
Tupou was originally raised in Canberra and made the switch to the Tigers ahead of his first-grade debut.
The latest developments came after The Telegraph reported in early November that Tupou was offered a two-year contract extension by the Tigers.
However a deal is yet to be signed with Tupou’s future beyond 2024 now up in the air and the Tigers fighting two clubs for his signature.
Tigers skipper Api Koroisau was full of praise for Tupou earlier this season and he clearly has the support of the playing group.
“He’s a freak. Just watching his carries on the way back, (I’m) so proud of him,” Koroisau said.
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“To be that young too, he’s really composed, great under the high ball and just works his backside off for this team. Just to see him get off started like that, it really is a pleasure.”
Tupou also drew praise from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses showing he is rated highly by his peers.
“He put us under the pump, that Junior Tupou,” Moses said.
“For a young kid, I thought, how he was carrying the ball, he was unbelievable for them, and he tore us to shreds really, and he hurt us. So, it’s a credit to him.”
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KNIGHTS SET TO POACH FORWARD’S TWIN FROM RUGBY UNION
The Newcastle Knights are reportedly set to land the signature of New Zealand rugby union star and the twin brother of Leo Thompson, Tyrone Thompson.
The Daily Telegraph reported Thompson has agreed to a deal to sign with the Newcastle Knights in 2025.
The 23-year-old is currently playing hooker for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition where he has scored three tries in 15 games.
Thompson has also played three games for the All Blacks XV second team and one game for the Maori All Blacks.
The development comes amid Peter V’landys’ rugby union salary cap announcement, with NRL clubs to potentially be allowed salary cap dispensation for attracting players from rival codes.
The Chiefs forward has also scored six tries in 18 games for Wellington and 12 tries in 23 games for Hawke’s Bay.
Thompson has agreed to switch to the Knights at the end of his current deal with the Chiefs, which expires in 2025.
It remains to be seen what position he will play, but Thompson is likely to feature in the front row.
Leo Thompson has played 41 games for the Knights since his debut in 2022 and three Tests for the Kiwis to date.
The Knights have also reportedly signed Jacob Saifiti to a long-term deal to remain in Newcastle until at least the end of 2027.
The club are also reportedly set to re-sign NSW Blues centre Bradman Best to a three-year contract extension, while coach Adam O’Brien is close to finalising a contract extension.
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