New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has revealed he is not bullish on his side’s chances to land Kurt Capewell for the 2024 season, despite offering the backrower a multi-year deal.
Capewell’s time at the Brisbane Broncos appears to be limited as the salary cap squeeze begins to have its effect on last season’s runners up.
The 30-year-old only has one year remaining at Red Hill and has been informed he can look elsewhere for the 2024 season, as the Broncos put their focus on retaining the young core of forwards.
Speaking on SEN George revealed the details of the club’s pursuit of Capewell and his low confidence level in getting the deal done.
“(I'm) not confident (that’ll he be here in 2024),” George told SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“The option is there if him and his Brisbane want to look at those, it’s up to him, where he’s at with his longer-term future, we’ve certainly expressed our interest.
“He’s got a year to go with the Broncos and they’ve got to have that discussion.
“If he wants to come and talk to us about this year we’re certainly willing to but we respect the fact that he has a contract with Brisbane.
George also confirmed that the club’s interest in Capewell is long-term and that the club would welcome a multi-year stay for the veteran forward.
“We’ve (offered) a longer-term option here for him, he’s on the market for 2025 and that’s what we’re looking at,” George added.
“If that was to eventuate and him and Brisbane decided that there an option for this year for us to talk about, we’d be happy to do that.
“But our interest has been around the longer-term proposition as well.”
Capewell has played in 41 games for the Broncos, including a start in the 2023 NRL Grand Final.