Warriors coach eyes new deal for Origin star Kurt Capewell
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2028) and Te Maire Martin (2027) have signed contract extensions with the Warriors.
Kurt Capewell and Rocco Berry are now the only two players from this year’s squad who are not signed for next season.
James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima return from injury for Friday night’s clash against the West Tigers in Sydney.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster seems quietly confident of retaining Origin star Kurt Capewell beyond the end of his contract this season.
The Auckland-based NRL club has already had a great week on the free-agency market, extending tryscoring ace Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for another two seasons and veteran halfback Te Maire Martin for one.
That double success now leaves just two more current Warriors players uncommitted for next season - injury-plagued centre Rocco Berry and Queensland second-rower Kurt Capewell - but Webster is focused on retaining both in due time.
'I think they're both a big opportunity of staying,' he said. 'Rocco, we'll get him back playing and then see how it goes from there.
'When Rocco's at his best… we certainly don't want him going anywhere.
'With Kurt Capewell, he's playing Origin, so let's get Origin out of the way and see how we go.'
These days, most contract negotiations are accompanied by social media chatter that helps drive the asking price up by creating a competitive market for a player.
There has been very little, if any chatter over Capewell's future.
'I've thought about it, and we just have to see how everything plays out and see what we work out from there,' he said, when questioned in February.
The answer wasn't too dissimilar, when he was quizzed again in April.
Webster is usually optimistic on the subject of retaining players and sometimes that optimism rings a little hollow, when those players eventually sign elsewhere, but Warriors fans will take some heart from his comments, especially over Capewell.
The veteran brings extensive playoff experience from previous stints with Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos, including two championships with Penrith and a grand final defeat with Brisbane.
He brings some utility value - he made his NRL and Origin debuts at centre - but was probably overplayed out of his true position last season, as the Warriors struggled for personnel out wide.
Capewell, 32 - affectionately known as 'Cape-Wah' among Warriors faithful - is also an underrated contributor to onfield leadership and has undoubtedly helped develop the next wave of Warriors forwards during his Mt Smart tenure.
Origin commitments and byes mean he has only played once for the Warriors in the past seven rounds, and with a two-day turnaround from Origin III, he must be highly doubtful for Friday's encounter with Wests Tigers.
Berry, 25, has yet to play first grade this season and managed only nine games last year, bringing up his 50 for the club, but has struggled with a variety of injuries.
His position would come under further threat next season, with Grant Anderson arriving from the Broncos to add centre depth.
Berry suffered a hamstring twinge in his last NSW Cup outing three weeks ago and has not been named to play this weekend.
Webster described his approach to contract conversations with players, stressing the value of trust in that relationship.
'It's huge, it's everything really,' he said. 'Some players, you just make sure you stay out of it, particularly younger players.
'I like to talk to a player and say, one, first of all, 'we want you here' and, two, 'do you want to stay?' Yes, you do, well, that's a pretty good start, so we just have to work it out.'
West Tigers v Warriors, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney, Friday 10pm (NZT)
West Tigers: Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini, Starford To'a, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi; Terrell May, Josese Lanyon, Bunty Afoa, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal. Interchange: Latu Fainu, Fonua Pole, Alex Seyfarth, Tony Sukkar, Faaletino Tavana, Charlie Murray. Reserves: Heath Mason, Jock Madden, Jared Haywood.
Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin; James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark. Interchange: Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Marata Niukore, Luke Metcalf, Makaia Tafua. Reserves: Luke Laulilii, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell.