Queensland Origin star Kurt Capewell extends stay at NZ Warriors

Veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell has answered the prayers of NZ Warriors faithful, with a one-year extension to his current contract at Mt Smart.

Capewell, 32, was coming to the end of his current three-year deal, which saw him arrive from Brisbane Broncos in 2024, and is one of the last dominoes to fall, in terms of players re-signing or leaving the club.

He has logged 46 games for the Auckland-based NRL outfit, but only six this season, between injury and Origin commitments. Capewell has represented Queensland all three years on his tenure with the Warriors.

"My manager is doing his job and he's talking with the club," he responded, when asked about his future on Wednesday. "I'll just leave that in his hands and worry about playing good footy myself, first and foremost, and then winning for the Warriors."

That was almost word for word the same response he had given every other time he was quizzed this season.

Hours later, the club announced his extension.

"Throughout his career, Kurt has proved his value as a player and a person," said Warriors coach Andrew Webster.

"We love having him here. He's such an important player and we're delighted to have him for at least another season."

Capewell has become a crucial part of the Warriors culture, bringing his championship experience at Penrith Panthers, while also helping the Broncos to a grand final.

While front-rowers Mitch Barnett and James Fisher-Harris are officially co-captains, Capewell has complemented their leadership perfectly and has undoubtedly played a major role in developing the next wave of young forwards proving their worth at the club.

Last week, the Warriors extended both halfback Te Maire Martin for another year and wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak through 2028, leaving Capewell and injury-plagued centre Rocco Berry as the last remaining players on the current roster without contracts for next year.

Webster insisted Berry was still very much on their radar, but he needed to log consistent games before a deal could be done. He has been named at centre for the Warriors reserves in NSW Cup this weekend.