Hunt targets Broncos forward position, Capewell eyes moveJoel Gould PAA Wed.
Brisbane’s new recruit Jaiyden Hunt (left) is a versatile forward targeting a place in the first round. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS) Photo credit:
A AP Brisbane’s forward group will have a new look in 2024 and new signing Jaiyden Hunt is looking to tip his hat for a run in the ring.
With Thomas Flegler (Dolphins) and Keenan Palasia (Gold Coast) now playing at other clubs for the grand final, there is an opportunity for Hunt.
The impending future of second-rower Kurt Capewell, 30, is expected to be decided in the coming days as he eyes a possible immediate move to the Warriors.
Hunt, 25, who grew up in Brisbane, has been recruited from St George Illawarra on a two-year deal.
He still had a year left on his contract with the Dragons, but the chance to play for the club he supported in his youth was a great opportunity.
Coach Kevin Walters sold him the dream.“At the Dragons I was told there wasn’t really a place for me,” Hunt said.“My manager called and said the Broncos were interested and I said I would jump right in.
“I flew up, saw the facilities and had a chat with Kevvie.
He said it was all about hard work and friendship. It’s a great club culture and I really like it.”Hunt is initially set to fight hard for a position on the bench after playing just 14 NRL games so far.
Nothing has ever happened to him in his entire career.“When I was younger I wasn’t the best at rugby league,” Hunt said.“When I arrived I had never been to parts of Queensland. I always had to fight all the time.“I’m used to it, I suppose.
“I will do whatever the team needs and whatever Kevvie wants. If he wants me to play on the back row, I will play there. If he wants me to play in the middle, I will do my best in all areas.
Capewell, whose contract ends at the end of 2024, has been informed by the Broncos that he will not be re-signed beyond his current contract. He met with Warriors coach Andrew Webster and the club finalized a deal for him.
Warriors CEO Cameron George has told SEN Radio that the club wants Capewell in 2025 and beyond, but it is ultimately up to the Broncos and the player to decide whether he will join Capewell for the upcoming season .“We offered him a longer-term option here.
It’s on the market for 2025 and that’s what we’re watching,” George said. “If Brisbane decided there was an option for (2024) that we could talk about, we would be happy to do that.”
