The southwest Queensland town of Charleville has changed its name for the second time in a year.
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The outback town famous for its bilbies will be known as Kurtsville in homage to local rugby league star Kurt Capewell, who will play for Penrith Panthers in this weekend’s NRL grand final.
Murweh Shire Council mayor Shaun “Zoro” Radnedge has no problem naming the town after Kurt, even though he’ll be cheering for the Panthers’ opponents, South Sydney.
“I sent him a text (last) Saturday morning and I was quite confident they could beat the Melbourne Storm,” he said.
“I just said, ‘Mate if you can win this afternoon I’m gonna bring out the Kurtsville signs again and were going to change the name’.
“I really want the bunnies to win but, geez, it would be massive (if Penrith win).
“Kurt Capewell has done so much for the Charleville Junior Rugby League and rugby league in the west (of the state).”
Kurt Capewell shares the message of support on Instagram.(
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The passionate rugby league lover wouldn’t been drawn into a score prediction.
Instead, the butcher opted to leave it up to his customers to decide the favourite by putting Panthers pork sausages up against Rabbitohs beef sausages on the specials board.
“Unfortunately, this week’s been a bit busy so I couldn’t dye the sausages, or find any panthers or rabbits to put in there,” Cr Radnedge said.
“We’re going to let the citizens of Charleville decide who’s going to start favourite.”
It’s Penrith Panthers pork sausages up against South Sydney Rabbitohs beef sausages.(
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Homegrown star makes dad proud
Capewell’s rise to Australian rugby league’s biggest stage has been built on hard work and determination.
After a strong finals campaign in 2020 that resulted in a grand final appearance, the edge forward was selected for what was dubbed “the worst team in state of origin history” before playing a pivotal part in Queensland’s famous underdog win.
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The man who gave Capewell his first maroon jersey, Wayne Bennett, will be in the opposition coach’s box hoping to guide South Sydney to a record-extending 22 premierships.
Kurt’s father Darryl Capewell will make the 750km journey east to cheer on his son in what will be his last game for the Panthers before returning home to Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos.
“It’s been a huge decision for Kurt to leave the Panthers,” Mr Capewell said.
“You’re leaving someone who’s going to be in the top four for the next four or five years.
“He’s just missed Queensland so much.
“He’s been away six years, he’s got nieces and nephews. It’s pretty hard for a country kid from Queensland to go and live in Sydney.”
Mr Capewell was unable to make it to last year’s NRL grand final due to COVID-19 border restrictions but there was no stopping him heading to Brisbane for the big game this year.
“I’d love to see a Penrith win but at the end of the day as long as he plays well and tries hard, I’ll be, well, I won’t be happy if he doesn’t win but it’s not the end of the world,” Mr Capewell said.
Source:: ABC News
