“I'm just not buying that”: Why Parker refuses to place Brisbane's woes on Capewell exit

SEN’s Corey Parker has rejected the suggestion that the biggest factor in Brisbane’s dramatic form slump in 2024 is a result of the departure of Kurt Capewell.

Capewell was brought into the Broncos squad in 2022 alongside halfback Adam Reynolds in order to turn the team’s fortunes around.

The 2021 Premiership winner and Origin representative delivered in spades but following the heartbreaking 2023 Grand Final loss to the Penrith Panthers, the Warriors poached Capewell during the off season.

Parker didn’t downplay Capewell’s impact for the Broncos but insisted there are several reasons for Brisbane’s decline.

“With all due respect to Capewell, who is a wonderful player but he’s not the reason why the Broncos have lost three in a row,” Parker said on SENQ.

“He’s a great leader and defender but his omission out of the team along with Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth and Keenan Palasia out of the team was enormous.

“You lose his leadership and experience but a decision had to be made (on his contract).

“Jordan Riki still has his best football ahead of him and also Brendan Piakura who was just 19th man in the first Origin team.

“It won’t just happen for the Broncos this year. There aren’t the sacrifices this year that they made last year.

“The Melbourne Storm are sitting on top of the ladder and haven’t put their best 17 on the park in consecutive weeks.

“The Penrith Panthers have made four Grand Finals (and lost several players).

“Capewell leaving is not the reason why the Broncos aren’t where they are.

“I’m just not buying that.”

The Broncos currently sit ninth on the NRL ladder and will next play in Round 17 when they travel to Auckland to face ex-teammate Capewell and the Warriors.