Warriors sign Maroons star

Rocco Berry will be back at Mount Smart in 2024.
Photo: Photosport

Seasoned Queensland and Brisbane second rower Kurt Capewell has signed a three year deal with the Warriors.

The nine-game State of Origin representative was off contract at the end of next season with Brisbane but has been released by the Broncos.

A premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers in 2021, Capewell has made 139 first-grade appearances since his debut with the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks in 2016.

“We’re thrilled to be able to lock in a player of Kurt’s quality and experience immediately,” said New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“Quite apart from what Kurt will provide as a player, he’ll be immensely valuable with his experience in a mentoring role for the young back rowers we have coming through the club.”

The Warriors have also locked in the services of centre Rocco Berry and second rower Jackson Ford for at least two more seasons.

The 22-year-old Berry and Ford were both off contract at the end of 2024 but in the wake of their career-best campaigns they’ve been re-signed, Berry through to 2026 and Ford to 2025.

After making a total of just 15 appearances in 2021 and 2022, Berry more than doubled his career tally to 31 with 16 games this year.

Similarly Ford blossomed to a first choice starting back rower in his debut season in Auckland, appearing in 24 of the club’s 27 games.

“Rocco and Jackson both thrived in the new environment created this season,” McFadden said.

“Like so many players in the squad, their games went to a new level this year and there’s every confidence they’ll improve further next year and beyond.”

Head coach Andrew Webster said he’s thrilled to see the players rewarded for their performances.

“The terrific thing about Rocco and Jackson is their drive to become better each and every day,” he said.

“They’re great examples of what we want to see in our players with their commitment and their passion.”

Berry formed a potent combination on the right edge with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak as he finished his third NRL season with three tries, eight try assists, 10 line break assists, four line breaks and 31 tackle breaks while he averaged 75 metres and 17 tackles a game.

He capped his 2023 season with a standout display for the New Zealand Kiwis A in their 36-26 win over Mate Ma’a Tonga A at Eden Park in October.

Used as a starting second rower in all but one of his 24 games, Ford was on the field the full 80 minutes 15 times and all 82 minutes in the golden point win against the Raiders, while in two other matches he played 77 and 78 minutes.

He scored four tries and made nine line breaks and 73 tackle breaks while averaging 103 metres and 35 tackles a game.

Jackson Ford has resigned with the Warriors for two more seasons.
Photo: Photosport / NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous