Kurt Capewell to Miss Key Match After Delayed Concussion

Kurt Capewell, a star player for the NZ Warriors, will not participate in the team’s upcoming match against the St George-Illawarra Dragons due to a delayed concussion. This decision comes after Capewell was assessed during a recent game against the Canterbury Bulldogs on August 12, 2023, where he initially passed a head injury evaluation but later exhibited symptoms.

During the second half of the match against the Bulldogs, Capewell was removed from play for a head injury assessment. He successfully cleared the protocol and returned to the field after a 15-minute stand-down period. However, after the game, he was re-evaluated and ruled out for the clash against the Dragons scheduled for 20:00 local time on August 15 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Assessment Process Under Scrutiny

Coach Andrew Webster highlighted the challenges inherent in concussion assessments, noting that while Capewell passed the initial check, symptoms can sometimes manifest later. “The biggest thing for that scenario is you do the assessment and they pass, then those symptoms raise their head the next day or the week after,” he explained.

Webster emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety. “If anything, we’re like let’s do the right thing by Kurt this week and make sure he’s OK,” he stated. The coach acknowledged that the current protocols are not infallible and that each concussion case is unique.

The quick turnaround for the match against the Dragons adds complexity to the situation. “We had a look at him the next day and the day after, and we wanted to give him time,” Webster said, reinforcing that the medical team acted responsibly in Capewell’s case.

Team Adjustments and Impact

Capewell’s absence further weakens the Warriors’ depth, particularly as fellow utility player Te Maire Martin will also miss the match due to a separate concussion. Martin sustained his injury early in the game against the Bulldogs, lasting only 23 minutes before being removed for a head check. Webster described Martin’s condition, noting, “He had the wobbly boot, but he knew what was going on straight away.”

With both players sidelined, the Warriors will rely on Leka Halasima to fill in the gaps left in the lineup. Halasima is expected to start in the second-row position, despite also undergoing a head check in the previous game. He returned to play the entire second half without apparent issues.

Typically, Capewell could have transitioned to a centre role, where he has experience from his time with the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin. This would have allowed for more flexibility in the backline. However, with both he and Martin unavailable, the Warriors face a challenging situation ahead of their crucial match.

The Warriors’ full lineup for the match includes players such as Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, while the interchange bench features Sam Healey and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, among others.

As the NZ Warriors prepare for this pivotal encounter, the focus will be on player safety and ensuring that all protocols are followed to protect their athletes.