FridayOL

Kurt Capewell, the powerhouse second-rower for the NZ Warriors, is riding high after a stunning victory with Queensland in the State of Origin series. Just weeks after playing a pivotal role in reversing their fortunes in Perth, Capewell is still buzzing with energy and excitement. He's not just celebrating the win; he’s challenging the very notion of relying solely on statistics in the high-octane world of NRL.

“It was awesome,” Capewell confirmed, a grin evident even through the phone. “Something I’ll never get sick of is being in a Queensland team and experiencing that feeling. The atmosphere, the intensity… it’s something else.”

But Capewell’s post-Origin glow extends beyond the sheer joy of victory. He’s keen to emphasize that numbers don’t always tell the full story. In a sport increasingly driven by data and analytics, Capewell believes there’s a danger of overlooking the intangible qualities that contribute to a team’s success – the grit, the determination, the unwavering belief.

“Stats can be misleading, you know?” he said. “They don’t always reflect the effort, the heart, the sacrifices players make. Sometimes, you’ve got to just go out there and play with passion and trust your instincts. That’s what we did in Perth, and it paid off.”

Capewell’s performance in Perth was a testament to this philosophy. While the numbers might not have screamed ‘match-winner,’ his tireless work rate, his bone-jarring tackles, and his unwavering commitment to the team were instrumental in turning the tide. He was a constant presence in crucial moments, providing the spark and energy that Queensland needed to secure the victory.

Returning to the Warriors, Capewell is bringing that same intensity and determination to his club. He knows the challenges that lie ahead, but he’s confident that the team can build on their recent performances and compete with the best in the NRL.

“We’ve got a good squad here at the Warriors,” he said. “We’re working hard, we’re supporting each other, and we’re believing in ourselves. We know we can achieve great things this season.”

The State of Origin victory has undoubtedly boosted Capewell’s confidence and provided a valuable learning experience. He’s returning to the Warriors a more determined and focused player, ready to prove that sometimes, the best statistics are the ones you can’t measure – the unwavering spirit and relentless effort that separates the good players from the truly great ones. And he's ready to show the NRL that sometimes, stats can indeed be 'damned lies'.

What's next for Kurt Capewell and the NZ Warriors? The team faces a tough schedule ahead, but with Capewell’s leadership and determination, they're poised to surprise a few teams and make a serious run in the finals.