Latest news with #KurtCapewell
NZ Herald
8 hours ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos NRL live updates
Live updates as the New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos clash at Suncorp Stadium. Warriors side to face the Broncos Ed Kosi has been named to start on the wing, replacing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who is facing an extended stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury, for Saturday's round 17 NRL clash with the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. The Warriors have made three changes to the starting side which lost to the Panthers last weekend, with Kurt Capewell returning from Queensland's State of Origin win to start in the second row, relegating Leka Halasima to the interchange while Rocco Berry has overcome a hamstring injury to replace Moala Graham-Taufa at centre. Coach Andrew Webster confirmed Watene-Zelezniak will miss between four and six weeks after leaving the field during the loss to the Panthers, having been on the wrong end of a hip drop tackle from Scott Sorensen. The 29-year-old has only played six times this season, missing the first eight games with a wrist injury. In those eight games, Taine Tuaupiki started, but Kosi has been given the reins this time around as he prepares for his fourth appearance of the season. Tuaupiki has been included on the extended bench, as he returns to fitness after being knocked out on the final play during a reserves match against the Eels this month. Prop Marata Niukore has been named to start despite breaking his nose against the Panthers, while halfback Luke Metcalf has appeared to have overcome a corked thigh. The Warriors currently sit fourth on the NRL ladder with 10 wins and four defeats this season on 24 points, six points clear of the fifth-placed Broncos. A 50m penalty goal from Metcalf in golden point saw the Warriors claim a 20-18 win the last time the two teams met back in round nine. Following this match the Warriors will have their final bye of the season. Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Ed Kosi, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Marata Niukore, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark. Interchange (from): 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 20. Tanah Boyd, 21. Sam Healey, 22. Bunty Afoa, 23. Taine Tuaupiki.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
How NZ Warriors star Kurt Capewell is making ‘damned lies' of NRL statistics
Kurt Capewell's recall to the Maroons helped them level the Origin series in Perth. Photo: AAP / Photosport Warriors v Broncos Kickoff: 5pm Saturday, 28 June Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Live blog updates on RNZ Sport One week after helping Queensland reverse their State of Origin fortunes with victory at Perth, NZ Warriors second-rower Kurt Capewell is still buzzing. "It was awesome," he confirmed. "Something I'll never get sick of is being in a Queensland team and getting the win was amazing. "Obviously, we let ourselves down a bit in the second half, but it was awesome to be part of it all again and something I always look forward to." After the Maroons were totally outplayed at home in Origin I, Capewell was recalled to the starting line-up and let no one down, scoring a first-half try, as they ran up a 26-6 halftime lead and then barely held on, as New South Wales stormed home after the break. He logged a full 80 minutes, running 11 times for 107 metres, and made 37 tackles, including one gamewinning effort about 90 seconds out from fulltime. As the Blues threw everything at Queensland, Capewell met barnstorming front-rower Payne Haas head-on, jolting the ball free less than 10 metres from the tryline to snuff out their last real attacking opportunity. "I thought he was the best player in Origin and I'm so proud of him," enthused Warriors coach and NSW fan Andrew Webster. Yet, in the build-up to the game, Capewell had to endure considerable social media mocking for a statistic that just doesn't correspond with his yeoman performances, week-in and week-out, for the Warriors. You see, for all his attributes, Capewell has the dubious distinction of leading the NRL in missed tackles this season - by quite a margin. In 13 appearances, he has supposedly missed 75 tackles, 16 more than second-placed Wests Tigers hooker Api Koroisau in the same number of games. NRL stats show Kurt Capewell atop the missed-tackles rankings. Photo: NRL website Capewell was credited with nine missed tackles in the season-opening loss to Canberra Raiders, eight in a narrow win over the Tigers and hit double figures in the 'Magic Round' win over North Queensland Cowboys. Online experts - probably NSW fans - took delight in questioning how someone so defensively deficient could earn representative honours, as they anticipated another ignominious Maroons defeat. Imagine their disappointment, then. To his credit, Capewell takes the taunting on the chin. Only one number really matters to him - the score. "You can make of it what you want, if you're into reading stats," he said. "For me, it's something that's in my game and I'd like to get better at. "No-one goes out there trying to miss tackles, but sometimes you can't help it. I haven't really looked into it. "I'd like to not miss any tackles, but as long as we're winning, I don't care." On the other hand, Webster bristles at the inference that his defensive kingpin is somehow a liability. He is obviously a disciple of American writer Mark Twain, who - in turn - credited former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli with the statement: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." "That stat's ridiculous," Webster insisted. "The correlation to winning games… Penrith Panthers were one of the highest missed-table teams in the competition and they were the best defensive team, meaning they conceded the least points. "If Kurt was the worst tackler in our competition, he wouldn't be in our team. I'd be saying can someone please take him to another team and we'll release him. "Instead, he's the man of the match in Origin." According to Webster - a former Panthers assistant - Capewell's unfavourable stats are a result of his pursuit of tackles he has no right making. "If you're running at me and step me, and I lay a finger on you, or I clip you and you fall over, and the next guy gets on you, they will count that as a missed tackle. "You might be running to score a try, I'm coming across, dive and lay a finger on you - that's a missed tackle. "You find players who go after the contest, putting pressure on the opponent, taking time and space away from them, making them pass the ball… they have to move quickly, Kurt clips them and sends them into the other guy, and the play is dead. "What they want to achieve doesn't work and that's why he's one of the best, because he's constantly going after the contest." Kurt Capewell scores a try for the Warriors against the Dolphins. Photo: AAP/DAVE HUNT Certainly, his teammates seem to understand his contribution to their collective defensive effort. "He's huge for our team and does a lot of the little things that you don't really see, as a fan watching, but we know how much work he does," said bench utility Te Maire Martin, who also played a season alongside Capewell at Brisbane Broncos. "It's contagious and a lot of the other boys are starting to do it. It's something the coaches are driving and it's winning us games. "He just works hard and doesn't stop moving. He's always competing, he's always in the picture and makes his own luck." Capewell is thankful for the chance to redeem himself, after his first season at Mt Smart didn't go quite as planned. "Last season was tough, I had a few injuries and our whole squad had a few injuries, but touch wood, we've been pretty good this year. "It was never going to happen overnight and something we work at every day." With the unexpected retirement of former captain Tohu Harris in pre-season, the mid-season move of veteran Dylan Walker to Parramatta Eels and season-ending injury to co-captain Mitch Barnett, Capewell's experience has been a boon to a Warriors programme, where the margins of error are becoming smaller. Before crossing the Tasman, he reached the playoffs with Cronulla Sharks, Penrith and Brisbane. His last appearance for the Panthers was the 2021 Grand Final victory and his last outing for the Broncos was their 2023 Grand Final defeat. "He wasn't terrible last year," Webster insisted. "He still got picked for Origin and had a big impact there - he just didn't play as well as we knew he could. "I'm just happy for all our fans that they get to see the real Capey. He hasn't let anyone down, he's been awesome." Capewell's leadership has proved a boon to the Warriors, with the loss of former captain Tohu Harris, veteran Dylan Walker and co-captain Mitch Barnett. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport Capewell made his 2020 Origin debut for Queensland at centre and, while he's better known as a second-rower, his versatility has also proved invaluable to the Warriors, with midfielders Rocco Berry (hamstring) and Ali Leiataua (ankles) plagued by injury, and Adam Pompey often pushed to the wing to cover absences there. "It's challenging, having to defend some pretty fast and agile players, but it's something I've always modelled my game around, being able to play anywhere at any time," he said. Capewell credits his team's early success - sitting fourth on the NRL table, with a 10-4 record - for his own recall to the Queensland squad, with every likelihood coach Billy Slater will stick with his successful squad for the series decider in Sydney next month. "A lot of it's got to do with the team I'm playing with and the players around me probably having the best seasons of their careers as well," he said. "A lot of that has to do with the coaching staff and the people around the club. "I just think we're moving in the right direction here at the Wahs and it's great to be part of." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
21-06-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Panthers live updates: Andrew Webster's side host defending NRL champions
Live updates of the NRL clash between the New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium. Kurt Capewell has been left out of the Warriors side to face the Penrith Panthers this weekend as he gets set for his first State of Origin stint of the series. Coach Andrew Webster has opted against including the Queensland second rower for Saturday evening's sold-out clash at Go Media Stadium, citing a long flight back to Auckland after Wednesday night's Origin game 2, played in Perth. Queensland coach Billy Slater last week highlighted Capewell's leadership qualities as a key reason for his recall to the side. 'We just felt Kurt Capewell had been doing really well at club level and his actions had earnt him an opportunity to come into the team,' Slater said. With Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua still sidelined with injuries, Webster has called on youngster Moala Graham-Taufa to replace Capewell, in what will be his first NRL game of the season after three appearances last year. The 23-year-old has been playing for the club's table-topping New South Cup side, scoring 11 tries in 12 matches. Webster has made only one other change to the starting lineup that thumped the Cronulla Sharks 40-10, with seasoned hooker Wayde Egan returning from a hip injury that ruled him out of the round 14 clash. He comes into the side in place of Sam Healey, who impressed in the Cronulla victory. Prop Tanner Stowers-Smith has been named on the interchange for his third NRL appearance after today re-signing with the Warriors until 2028. The last time the two sides met was back in Magic Round in Brisbane last season, with the Warriors pulling off a major upset against the defending champions 22-20. They come into Saturday evening's game in an unfamiliar position against the Panthers – as heavy favourites. It will also be the first time in six years that Penrith has made the trip to Auckland. After a bye round last week, the Warriors sit in third spot on the NRL ladder and are hunting their 11th win of the season. Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Moala Graham-Taufa, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Marata Niukore, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark Interchange (from): 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Sam Healey, 20. Bunty Afoa, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Edward Kosi, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Queensland keep State of Origin series alive
Kurt Capewell of the Maroons scores a try during the State of Origin game two in Perth, 2025. Photo: AAP / Photosport Queensland kept the State of Origin series alive with a 26-24 win over New South Wales in game two in Perth. With new halfback Tom Dearden and new skipper Cameron Munster calling the shots, Queensland shot out to a 26-6 half time lead. It was a nightmare first half for the Blues, who won game one in Brisbane, as they produced numerous mistakes, ill discipline and an injury to Nathan Cleary. The game was played in wet conditions, but New South Wales stormed back in the second half and will be blaming themselves that they were unable to secure the series. Queensland were kept scoreless in the second half but had done enough with four tries, including one to the Warriors' Kurt Capewell in the first 40 minutes. It is just the second time that New South Wales scored five tries in a State of Origin game and still lost. Zac Lomax missed four shots at goal for the Blues. The Blues opened the scoring through Brian To'o after just six minutes, but from then on New South Wales' ill-discipline gave the Maroons all the momentum. Queensland scored four unanswered tries, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring a double, while player of the match Cameron Munster and Capewell also crossed for tries, and were helped by four conversions and a penalty goal from Valentine Holmes. The Blues gave away eight penalties to nil in the first half. In the two previous Origin games held in Perth, Queensland had failed to score a single point after half time. Incredibly, that record continued in 2025 as the Blues mounted their furious fightback. To'o scored two tries to complete his hat-trick either side of a display of monstrous power from Stephen Crichton that saw him also score and leave the Maroons stunned and grasping for answers. Only Lomax's inability to score off the tee kept the Maroons's lead to more than a converted try. Angus Crichton dotted down after Luai's perfect kick into the in-goal with six minutes remaining to set up a thrilling finale. But the Maroons held on, with Payne Haas coughing up the ball to spark delirium in the Maroons ranks. NSW backs Jarome Luai and Lomax were both reported for foul play. Luai was charged with Grade 2 Contrary Conduct over a gouging incident on Maroons second-rower Reuben Cotter in the 22nd minute of the match and faces a fine worth 13 percent of his $30,000 match payment. Lomax was charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact for lashing out at Maroons lock Trent Loiero in a 28th minute tackle with his forearm and faces a fine equating to 7 percent of his match payment. The series decider is in Sydney on 9 July.
The Guardian
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Queensland stay alive after holding off stirring NSW comeback in State of Origin classic
They had been all but written off, rudderless and adrift with a rattled coach at the helm, but a spirited Queensland kept the State of Origin shield alive after a wet, wild and often bizarre Game 2 victory over New South Wales in Perth. The memorable 26-24 triumph wasn't certain until the final moments after a titanic Blues comeback – highlighted by a Brian To'o hat-trick – brought them back to within two points with eight minutes to go. Yet the Maroons' heroic defence in the dying stages was capped off by new Maroons captain Cameron Munster and recalled backrower Kurt Capewell, having faced repeat sets, who forced an error from Blues prop Payne Haas with another gritty tackle. The Blues' final set ended in an error from fullback Dylan Edwards, securing one of the great Origin victories and triggering a mix of relief and celebration for the weary Queenslanders. The Maroons had scored four tries to five for the Blues. They were kept scoreless in the second half. But they were somehow ahead when the siren sounded at the end of a irresistible sporting spectacle. Munster was named man of the match for a fearless, inspirational display, repaying the faith coach from Billy Slater for naming him captain. He said his team played well in the first half but 'shot ourselves in the foot in the second'. He expressed delight at keeping the series alive for the decider in Sydney in three weeks. 'We had that mentality, like the 1995 'nobodies team' [who upset NSW] and we just kept working and turning up for each other, and we ended up getting the chocolates.' Despite the late drama, the match was won in the first half thanks a four-try blitz, as the Maroons rolled through the heavily backed Blues despite conceding the first points. NSW might have run out for the kick-off in Western Australia, but mentally appeared in another state entirely. By half-time they had conceded eight penalties to none, plus another five errors and two ruck infringements which were the icing on a cake that was brown but certainly not chocolate. The slippery, muddy conditions were the result of steady rain, both in the lead-up to the match and from driving showers that left the players dripping and the balls dropping. The handling errors – 28 in all – made for sharp momentum swings, but amplified the desperation and physicality in what became an unpredictable but deeply entertaining contest. The Blues' victory in Game 1 was methodical, but the Maroons' triumph on Wednesday was sheer madness. No moment encapsulated their frenzy more than when, in the final minute of the first half, they frantically kept the ball alive on the fifth tackle – up 26-6 – but gave away half the field in territory before a late handling error. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion Perhaps the method of victory should have been no surprise given the man who was captaining the side. Munster was in everything, mostly good but also bad, upholding his reputation as one of the game's great enigmas. An early grubber resulted in a seven-tackle set, and another in the second half set up the Blues on another marauding set. But he never stopped looking for the ball, showing desperation and daring throughout a contest in which he ran for 129m and scored a try. That four-pointer was set up by hooker Harry Grant, another who overcame an indisciplined Game 1 to make a difference in Perth. He had lost all four of the games he had started for the Maroons, and most anticipated 32-year-old debutant Kurt Mann would be brought in as a late replacement by Slater to see Grant through the physical opening stages unscathed. But the No 9 played all 80 minutes and made 55 tackles to be one of the Maroons' best. Despite few believing in the possibility of a Queensland victory, the Maroons have done it again. Yes, it was partly thanks to an off-night from Blues kicker Zac Lomax, who went two-from-five. And they certainly benefited from the odd bit of fortune. But largely due to that familiar Queensland spirit, State of Origin remains alive in 2025.
