Latest news with #Capewell
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Raiders: Kurt Capewell steps up to lead as co-captains miss Canberra clash
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has captained the Warriors in the past, while Wayde Egan has long been part of the team's leadership group and is described by his coach as 'our brains on the field'. In another, though, it makes complete sense. Capewell was one of Webster's first major signings, albeit a year after he arrived at Mt Smart. The pair had previously worked together in the early stages of the Penrith Panthers' NRL dynasty. As a premiership winner with Penrith and as a 10-time Queensland representative, there are few on the Warriors' books with the same pedigree as Capewell. When the Brisbane Broncos made the call to let Capewell go to make salary cap room for their younger back rowers, Webster didn't waste his chance in bringing his former charge to Auckland. Now, having seen what Capewell brings to the table at more than one club, Webster didn't hesitate to name the 31-year-old as his leader – for this week at least. 'I don't think he needs to change anything this week, or overdo anything because he's captain,' said Webster. 'He's just got to be himself. 'If he is himself, he stands out for his efforts all the time. His dad is 100% right, he won't get beaten on effort. 'We saw on the weekend, against a great player like [Herbie] Farnworth, he went after the occasion and made sure that if he needed to he'd scramble, and if he needed to, he'd come up with the right play. 'That's what Kurt's always been about.' The clash against Canberra comes at a vital time. The Warriors enter round 12 of this year's NRL season off the back of five-straight victories. What's more, they're up against the same side that handed them a 30-8 humiliation in the season-opening fixture in Las Vegas. For his part, Webster said the Las Vegas mauling hasn't entered the team's thoughts, with this week being anything but a revenge mission. As far as his teammates go, Capewell's elevation is as deserved as much as it's welcomed. At fullback, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has the best seat in the house to see what happens as part of the Warriors' attack and defence. In a time where the NRL is rapidly becoming about skill and attack, players who excel in defence are often overlooked. But for Nicoll-Klokstad, it's the things that don't get picked up week-to-week that make Capewell stand out among his peers. 'If you watch the game closely, and you're able to identify all the effort areas, you'll see Capey right up there in a lot of it,' he said. 'He leads by example, that's what we need in a leader. He hasn't had the captain symbol next to his name at all this year. 'But for him to get that opportunity, it's rightly deserved. You're going to see someone that just competes, gives his all and leads by his actions. 'That's everything he's done since round one.' On top of making his Warriors' captaincy bow, Capewell will also be out to prove a point on Sunday. Earlier this week, he was overlooked by Queensland coach Billy Slater and won't feature for the Maroons in the State of Origin season opener later this month. But as far as his coach is concerned, Capewell isn't sulking and will get on with the job at hand. 'I don't think there's any sour grapes,' Webster said. 'Kurt is a proud Queenslander and he wants to wear that jersey bad. 'He loves it so much. If he got that opportunity, he'd do anything for it. He was annoying yesterday, he had his Queensland hat on. 'He'll get on with things, I know he'll be supporting Queensland like he normally does. But he'd love to be there.'
Sydney Morning Herald
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Star's heartbreaking Origin blow: Four things learnt from Dolphins' defeat
However, referee Peter Gough ruled the ball went backwards – drawing the ire of the 32,165 Suncorp Stadium fans – and the Warriors charged down field to score through Kurt Capewell on the same set. Loading Meanwhile, the Bunker denied the hosts two tries through Kodi Nikorima and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with knock-ons deemed in the kick contest – contributing to their total 16 errors to the Warriors' seven. Without key forwards Max Plath (foot) and Daniel Saifiti (shoulder), along with Gilbert's absence, the Dolphins were beaten through the middle and would have been stoked to go into half-time only down by four points. There was some strong, desperate Dolphins' defence at times – Katoa holding up Harris-Tevita and forcing an error, while Nikorima and Tabuai-Fidow both held up Niukore on separate occasions among the 31 tackles they were forced to make inside their own 20-metre line. But by the break, the Kiwi outfit were dominating the battle for post-contact metres (327 to 218), and the manner in which both tries were scored simply seemed to break the Dolphins' spirit, before their fifth-tackle options lacked too much genuine threat to the Warriors' defence. Late tries to Tabuai-Fidow, shortly after the Warriors had extended their lead when Jacob Laban latched onto a bomb, and Herbie Farnworth – the latter after James Fisher-Harris was sin binned for a high shot – kept the Dolphins in the hunt with two minutes on the clock. Capewell's last-ditch Origin bid Has Kurt Capewell just launched a last-ditch bid to garner a Queensland recall? In terms of the back-row depth at the Maroons' disposal, Beau Fermor, Jeremiah Nanai, Jaydn Su'A and even Reuben Cotter are the likely front-runners for the May 28 series launch. But Capewell's versatility to jump into centre – as demonstrated on Saturday – could be his ticket to a shock inclusion come Monday morning. Facing off against two-time Dally M Centre of the Year Herbie Farnworth, the 31-year-old produced a brutal hit on the Englishman at one stage, while he finished with a try and 100 running metres. He may have missed five tackles while making 23, but the nature of some of his hits – getting in Farnworth's face, and in the contest – was impressive. While it would take a bold move for Billy Slater to bring Capewell into his Maroons backline – Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes the short-priced favourite centre pairing – last year he showed his preference to have an outside back on his bench. Capewell's ability to jump into the backline, which the former has done at Origin level in the past, may eradicate that need. Barnett's Origin bid complete He has been an inspirational leader for the Warriors while James Fisher-Harris has been sidelined with a pectoral strain, and now Mitch Barnett should be considered one of the leading contenders to line up in the New South Wales front line. The prop was the key man in establishing his side's go-forward dominance – finishing with 160 running metres and 33 tackles to force the Dolphins into regular goal-line defence early on. Payne Haas is perhaps the only certain selection when Blues coach Laurie Daley unveils his side, but Barnett's durability – getting through 65 minutes of action – and no-nonsense approach looms as the perfect foil to the Bronco superstar's brute force.
The Age
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Star's heartbreaking Origin blow: Four things learnt from Dolphins' defeat
However, referee Peter Gough ruled the ball went backwards – drawing the ire of the 32,165 Suncorp Stadium fans – and the Warriors charged down field to score through Kurt Capewell on the same set. Loading Meanwhile, the Bunker denied the hosts two tries through Kodi Nikorima and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with knock-ons deemed in the kick contest – contributing to their total 16 errors to the Warriors' seven. Without key forwards Max Plath (foot) and Daniel Saifiti (shoulder), along with Gilbert's absence, the Dolphins were beaten through the middle and would have been stoked to go into half-time only down by four points. There was some strong, desperate Dolphins' defence at times – Katoa holding up Harris-Tevita and forcing an error, while Nikorima and Tabuai-Fidow both held up Niukore on separate occasions among the 31 tackles they were forced to make inside their own 20-metre line. But by the break, the Kiwi outfit were dominating the battle for post-contact metres (327 to 218), and the manner in which both tries were scored simply seemed to break the Dolphins' spirit, before their fifth-tackle options lacked too much genuine threat to the Warriors' defence. Late tries to Tabuai-Fidow, shortly after the Warriors had extended their lead when Jacob Laban latched onto a bomb, and Herbie Farnworth – the latter after James Fisher-Harris was sin binned for a high shot – kept the Dolphins in the hunt with two minutes on the clock. Capewell's last-ditch Origin bid Has Kurt Capewell just launched a last-ditch bid to garner a Queensland recall? In terms of the back-row depth at the Maroons' disposal, Beau Fermor, Jeremiah Nanai, Jaydn Su'A and even Reuben Cotter are the likely front-runners for the May 28 series launch. But Capewell's versatility to jump into centre – as demonstrated on Saturday – could be his ticket to a shock inclusion come Monday morning. Facing off against two-time Dally M Centre of the Year Herbie Farnworth, the 31-year-old produced a brutal hit on the Englishman at one stage, while he finished with a try and 100 running metres. He may have missed five tackles while making 23, but the nature of some of his hits – getting in Farnworth's face, and in the contest – was impressive. While it would take a bold move for Billy Slater to bring Capewell into his Maroons backline – Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes the short-priced favourite centre pairing – last year he showed his preference to have an outside back on his bench. Capewell's ability to jump into the backline, which the former has done at Origin level in the past, may eradicate that need. Barnett's Origin bid complete He has been an inspirational leader for the Warriors while James Fisher-Harris has been sidelined with a pectoral strain, and now Mitch Barnett should be considered one of the leading contenders to line up in the New South Wales front line. The prop was the key man in establishing his side's go-forward dominance – finishing with 160 running metres and 33 tackles to force the Dolphins into regular goal-line defence early on. Payne Haas is perhaps the only certain selection when Blues coach Laurie Daley unveils his side, but Barnett's durability – getting through 65 minutes of action – and no-nonsense approach looms as the perfect foil to the Bronco superstar's brute force.
RNZ News
23-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
'Next man up' causes headaches for NZ Warriors against Newcastle Knights
Leka Halasima scores a try for Warriors against Brisbane Broncos. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Warriors v Knights Kickoff: 8pm Friday, 25 April Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ Sport One of the dubious perks of a 'next man up' mentality is the task of picking the next team to take the field, once key absentees have returned. NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster hints the line-up he's named to take on Newcastle Knights on Friday is not necessarily how they'll take the field for the traditional Anzac Day outing in Christchurch. With several frontliners missing, his patched-up outfit bounced back from previous defeat to overcome Brisbane Broncos with a Golden Point penalty for their fourth win of the NRL season last Saturday. To be sure, the performance wasn't flawless, but it gave several players a chance to prove their readiness for more prominent roles. Makeshift winger Taine Tuaupiki slotted back into his accustomed fullback position with ease, workaholic forward Jackson Ford put in a big front-row shift, veteran Kurt Capewell showed his versatility in the centres, while teenage sensation Leka Halasima was a force of nature in the starting pack. Co-captain James Fisher-Harris is sidelined a few more weeks with his pec injury, so Ford has retained his spot, but with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back from concussion and Rocco Berry returning from suspension , the others now resort to the status quo - on paper, anyway. Webster suggested that may not be the case, when the ball is ultimately kicked off at Apollo Projects Stadium. "This week's been the hardest in my time here… every player in the 22 was a real option to play this week," he admitted. "I'm not going to tell you the team, but I can promise you the way the 22 have been named, that order won't particularly be how it is. "It's the biggest headache I've ever had over making a case for a lot of players. People have selected themselves, of course, but if you watch our reserve grade and how they're playing, and of course the guys who did an unbelievable job on the weekend, there's lots of good headaches. "I'm just happy that everyone is team first at the moment." After several explosive cameos off the bench, Halasima built probably the strongest case to keep his new role, running powerfully and scoring his third try in as many games. Ultimately, he has handed the No.11 jersey back to Capewell and will likely start the Knights encounter on the bench, awaiting his turn to make an impression. "I thought Leka had a really good impact on the game," reflected Capewell. "He's an outstanding talent coming through, and will only get better and better with the more gametime he can get. "To see him get some more minutes and do his thing for a bit longer was good. "Healthy competition is always good to have at a club and we've got so many great back-rowers at this club, we're very lucky to be in that situation. We know it takes a full squad to win games and potentially a competition. "It's handy to have Leka, because he's also a player that's pretty versatile. If we do have a centre go down, either he or I can jump in there, or he can take my spot, and I can jump in the centres and make less tackles, which is good." Webster's headaches may take on migraine proportions by the time Fisher-Harris, and star wingers Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wrist) are fully mended next month. Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Rocco Berry, 4 Ali Leiataua, 5 Adam Pompey, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 Jackson Ford, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett (c), 11 Kurt Capewell, 12, Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Leka Halasima, 15 Bunty Afoa, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Jacob Laban Reserves: 18 Te Maire Martin, 20 Tanah Boyd, 21 Tanner Stowers-Smith, 22 Sam Healey, 23 Ed Kosi
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Princess Royal surprised by campaigner during investiture ceremony
A Commonwealth Games-winning hockey player said the Princess Royal was 'surprised' when she told her she had needed to campaign to wear shorts to play the sport. Tess Howard, 26, who was part of England women's 2022 gold medal squad, was made an MBE for services to inclusive sportswear for women and girls, which she described as a 'ridiculous' campaign. Speaking after the ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Ms Howard, who set up Inclusive Sportswear CIC, said while she was 'very honoured' by the award, it felt 'bizarre' and 'premature'. She said: 'If I had an organisation like Inclusive Sportswear I wouldn't have had to campaign for years to wear shorts in hockey, which is bizarre. 'The Princess Royal was surprised that I had to campaign to wear shorts. It's silly when you say it out loud. 'It's quite ridiculous that I've been given an award essentially for campaigning to wear shorts.' The International Hockey Federation amended its rules in 2023 to give female teams the choice between wearing skirts, skorts – a skirt with shorts attached underneath – and shorts, providing they are the same colour and design. The England and Team GB athlete, who plays for East Grinstead Hockey Club in West Sussex, believes her organisation's work has only just begun. 'My slogan is kind of, let's fix this and move on with our lives,' she added. Olympic gold medallist Sophie Capewell, 27, of Staffordshire, was also honoured at the ceremony. She said being made an MBE for services to cycling felt 'pretty special and a bit surreal'. Capewell won gold at the Paris Olympics last year in the women's team sprint, alongside teammates Katy Marchant and Emma Finucane. En route to victory, the Team GB outfit broke the world record three times, ultimately setting the new record at 45.186 seconds in the final. She said her father, Nigel Capewell, who competed at the Paralympics in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, had a big influence on her career. 'I think growing up I used to say I want to be Olympic champion, and he helped me in realising that dream, he was a big part of that,' she said. Capewell said she intends to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Paralympic gold medallist Dimitri Coutya, 27, said he was inspired to take up fencing by sword fighting he watched in films. Coutya was made an MBE for services to fencing and said the Princess Royal had been 'very personable' during the ceremony. The two-time gold medallist in Paris has won more than 80 international titles since 2017. He said: 'I think I honestly, when I was younger, I tended to like films that had some kind of stage sword fighting in it, and I found out it was an option for games in my school, 'You know the first thing they tell you when you get there, it's not at all like the film, but you know once you get over that initial disappointment, you really do fall in love with what the sport is, and it snowballs from there really.' Coutya is targeting a fourth Olympic games in 2028, aiming to 'keep improving', even as a champion.
