No player better epitomised the ‘Origin player’ description than Queensland second rower Kurt Capewell in the opening match of this year’s State of Origin series on Wednesday night.
Making his 14th appearance for the Maroons, the 32-year-old One New Zealand Warriors veteran literally bled for the cause but was left deflated as New South Wales snatched a stunning last-gasp 22-20 win at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
On the other side Warriors co-captain and Blues prop Mitchell Barnett savoured his third Origin win in as many games.
Warriors head coach - and rabid New South Wales fan - Andrew Webster, co-captain James Fisher-Harris and front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith were full of praise for the two players’ efforts.
“Really proud of our two boys. I thought Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett were awesome,” Webster.
“I got my dream – a Blues victory and Capey was the best player in a losing team.”
Fisher-Harris said: “I thought Capes and Barney went really well, especially Capes. He was working his backside off. I loved the way they both went about it, nice and physical.”
Stowers-Smith added: “I thought Capes for Queensland was probably their best forward if not the best player on the park.
“He does that stuff for us every week, those little one per centers and going after the game. Mitch was the exact same. He was chasing the game with his whole heart. The way he goes about his defence and his energy. That’s what they bring to our team as true Origin players.”
Among others complimenting Capewell was for Queensland Origin forward Corey Parker.
“He was a true warrior last night, blood pouring from his head and all bandaged up,” he said on SEN.
Match Highlights: Drama galore as Blues steal Origin I
On the Bloke in a Bar podcast, former Warrior Denan Kemp said:
“He’s so fit, he’s so reliable, he’s so good in defence, his kick chases are incredible.”
On the field for 80 minutes, Capewell made 107 metres from 14 runs and 36 tackles.
With their Origin exertions in mind, Webster opted not to select either Capewell or Barnett for the Warriors' top of the table encounter with Penrith on Sunday night.
