In a fitting reward for his versatility, ability and his form over the opening 11 rounds of the 2019 season, Sharks utility Kurt Capewell has been called into the Queensland camp as a shadow player for game one of the State of Origin series.
Following a press conference to announce his 17-man team, coach Kevin Walters returned to address the media and to inform he was bringing Capewell, Tim Glasby, Anthony Milford and an as yet unnamed player into his extended squad.
From Charleville in the west of the state, Capewell came to the Sharks via the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup ahead of the 2016 season.
The year prior he had helped guide the Jets to a Grand Final victory in the Queensland second-tier competition.
Capewell played four NRL games in the Sharks Grand Final winning year of 2016, and become a permanent fixture with 20 appearances in 2017.
On Sunday against the Dragons he played his 50th NRL game and 50th top grade match for the Sharks and in a display of his importance to the Cronulla side, shifted to the wing and did a outstanding job in an unfamiliar position when Josh Dugan left the field late in the first half following a bad head knock.
It was Capewell’s determination in chasing a Kyle Flanagan kick early in the second half, resulting in a Bronson Xerri try, that tipped the scales in the Sharks favour and set them on course for what was a crucial victory.
Capewell is due to join the Maroons in the coming days.
Game one of the 2019 State of Origin series is set down for Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, June 5.
