Rabbitohs X-Factor: Luke Capewell

Luke Capewell insists he has improved on the raw rookie who excited league fans in 2008.&nbsp; If that’s the case then he can provide the Rabbitohs with that rare flashiness only a few players have and ignite their attack.<br><br>The problem is - he may be hard pushed to get a start in a re-jigged Rabbitohs backline.<br><br>When Capewell was signed to South Sydney, Rabbitohs fans rejoiced. Finally, they thought, we are looking to the future and what better way than to sign someone like Capewell, a junior rep star who was sought after by a few clubs.<br><br>Since then another young gun has burst into the role of first team playmaker, Capewell’s good mate Chris Sandow. While Sandow has captured the hearts of the Rabbitohs faithful, recently signing a contract extension until 2011, Capewell has been left in a little bit of limbo.<br><br>John Sutton is set to occupy his favoured five eighth position early in 2009 and Rhys Wesser has the role of fullback firmly in his grasp. Leaving the youngster who bagged seven tries in his first 11 first grade games last year, searching for a spot in the South Sydney backline.<br><br>Criticised in some areas for lacking size and his defence in 2008, Capewell has made a concerted effort to bulk up in the off season and work hard on his game.<br><br>“I haven’t been injured, have put on a bit of muscle and weight, have worked on taking bombs and done a bit of defensive work, I think it’s been helping.<br><br>“My personal goal would have to be to do everything I can to get in the first team but with Rhys at fullback and John at five eighth I think it might be a while before I get an opportunity. But when I do I’ll have to take it.”<br><br>While off-season buys Colin Best and Rhys Wesser have probably made Capewell a fringe player he is happy to have them at the club.<br><br>“Rhys Wesser is awesome! I can learn from him, a lot of the stuff he does at fullback can help show me what to do and Col’ is an old hand with a lot of experience. To see the way those two work at training, they’re really professional.”<br><br>It remains unclear what coach Jason Taylor has in store for his young charge this year with the only hint being Capewell has been training most of the pre-season in the halves. Capewell himself has an eye on a bright future at South Sydney with Chris Sandow.<br><br>“I’m really happy for Chris with his new deal. I think he will do more good things in 2009. We lived together for a while when he first came down and are good mates.<br><br>In the future I’d love to play alongside Chris. We played together in junior rep teams and I’d love to have a combination with him here at Souths in years to come.”<br><br>