Connor Rothery brings a strong mix of confidence, perspective and family connection to the Capras. From his junior days with Cairns Kangaroos to his 2024 debut against the Cutters, Connor’s journey through the game has already delivered some moments that clearly matter to him, including winning his first A Grade grand final and the Ollie Howden medal. Now, his focus is clear, with a goal of playing his best footy all year long at fullback for the Capras.

Connor keeps his preparation simple. It is a banana and Gatorade before the game, a warm-up in his jersey, and a mindset built around one lesson footy has taught him: hard work beats talent. That same straightforward approach shows up in the advice he would give young players too, to enjoy yourself on the field and be confident.

Away from footy, family sits right at the centre for Connor. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, says he could not live without his partner and daughter, and would most love to play alongside his dad and uncles. Add in pizza after full-time, karaoke as a hidden talent and a love of sport in all forms, and there is plenty that makes Connor easy to connect with.

On The Field

Position: Back (General), Full Back
Junior Club: Cairns Kangaroos
Capras Debut: 2024 against Cutters
First Memory Playing Rugby League: Year 11 for school—threw my mouthguard away after 2 minutes and never wore one again
Who Introduced You to the Game? My family
Career Highlight: Winning my first A Grade grand final and the Ollie Howden medal
Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Banana and Gatorade, warm up in my jersey
Most Memorable Game: My Capras debut
Personal Goal for the Year: Play my best footy all year long for the Capras
Biggest Lesson Footy Has Taught You: Hard work beats talent
Advice for Young Players: Enjoy yourself on the field and be confident

Off The Field

If You Weren’t a Footballer: An electrician
Childhood Hero: Darren Lockyer
Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Anything from my liked songs on Spotify
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, any sport
Favourite Post-Game Meal: Pizza
Hidden Talent: Karaoke
Favourite Sports Team (Outside League): Washington Commanders
Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Treat people how you’d like to be treated
Favourite Holiday Destination: Canada
Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: Broncos
Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: My dad and uncles

#CaprasTop3

Game Day Snacks: Subway, banana, muesli bars
Movies of All Time: Prisoners, Shawshank Redemption, Happy Gilmore
Meals: Happy 410 (Cairns), Sizzlers feast, Fiancé’s chicken katsu
Sporting Idols: Kobe Bryant, Darren Lockyer, My dad/uncles
Bucket List Destinations: Japan, Canada
Things You Can’t Live Without: My partner, my daughter, probably my phone
Worst Drills at Training: Fitness, Wrestle
Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Can’t really think of any

#TeamTalk

Team Pest: Zev John Always Late to Training: Jackson Miller
Takes the Longest to Get Ready: Tom Farr
Wouldn’t Want to Be Stuck on a Desert Island With: Riley Reid
Best Dressed: Tyler Zep Worst Dressed: I feel like everyone’s not too bad haha
Biggest Joker: Bailey Cav