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Capewell's brutal verdict on Maroons' decider display
Joel Gould, AAP • July 9th, 2026 6:26 am
Queensland's Kurt Capewell in agony during the State of Origin series decider | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Queensland second-rower Kurt Capewell was filthy with himself after losing the State of Origin decider in Brisbane.
"It was a shit game to have a shit game in," he said on several occasions after the 30-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium.
"Personally, I wasn't happy with how I played.
"The handling errors disappoint me the most coming out of our own end. They put pressure on all my teammates, so it's something I'm not proud of."
Capewell said his performance "burns me".
Kurt Capewell takes on the NSW defence in the heartbreaking loss at Suncorp Stadium | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
The 32-year-old has been a wonderful contributor to series wins in 2020, 2002 and 2025 but he was below his best on Wednesday night.
Capewell cares, which is why he was so hard on himself after his 16th Origin match.
He was replaced in the 51st minute as the Maroons chased points.
Capewell rubbished suggestions that Queensland don't handle the pressure when they are favourites, as they were on this occasion.
"I wouldn't blame any of our actions on that," he said.
"We didn't play well, they did and they won. It's as simple as that."
The Maroons have now lost back-to-back Origin deciders at Suncorp Stadium, becoming the first Queensland team to do so. The loss was also their third in a row at their spiritual home.
"It hurts," Capewell said.
In 2027 the Maroons will get a chance to make amends in the Origin series opener which is slated for Brisbane.
"Next year is a new year and Queensland will be ready to take it on from the get-go in game one," Capewell said.
The second game of the series will be played at Auckland's Eden Park, the first time an Origin match has been scheduled in New Zealand.
"I think it's a great opportunity to showcase what Origin is over in New Zealand. There are plenty of fans and supporters over there, so I think it'll be great," Capewell said.
Kurt Capewell will now turn his attention to helping the Warriors win the NRL title | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
He lives in Auckland and plays for the Warriors, so Capewell knows how the inaugural Origin over the ditch will be received.
The veteran will now return to his second-placed club side to try and inspire a run to a maiden NRL title.
"That's the plan," he said.
"We'll wash tonight off, go back to club land and get the Wahs winning."
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