Tyler Szepanowski is the kind of player coaches love having in the squad. Hard-nosed, reliable and always willing to put in the effort, he shows up ready to work every time he runs out for the Capras. His journey with the club traces back to his junior days in Middlemount, where one of his favourite memories is seeing kangaroos bounce across the field during games. Now a co-captain, Tyler leads by example, bringing experience, toughness and a bit of character to the group. If you want proof of that last one, ask him about the beetroot juice he swears by before a game.
From battling back in the 2022 elimination final to chasing a Grand Final before eventually calling time on his career, Tyler plays with the mindset of someone determined to make every moment count. Off the field, he spends time fishing and hacking his way around the golf course (by his own admission, not very well) and has a quiet appreciation for a good Excel spreadsheet.
#OnTheField
Position: Fullback / Prop
Junior Club: Moranbah Miners
Capras Debut: 2021 (Round 1 vs. Tweed Seagulls
What’s your first memory playing rugby league? Playing in Middlemount with kangaroos jumping across the field.
Who introduced you to the game? My parents.
Career Highlight: Being named Co-Captain of the club.
Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Drinking beetroot juice.
Most Memorable Game: 2022 Elimination Final vs Northern Pride at Browne Park – we were down 22-6 at halftime and came back towin 28-22.
What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? I want the club to win a Grand Final, hopefully before I retire.
What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? Things often don’t go your way or as planned—how you respond is what really matters.
What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? Just enjoy it and don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Footy doesn’t last forever, and you’ll find you play your best when you enjoy it for what it is.
#OffTheField
If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? Probably skinny.
Childhood Hero: My parents—they were super hardworking for us kids.
Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Hells Bells
Hobbies: Golf and fishing (terrible at both).
Favourite Post-Game Meal: Baskin’s Ice Cream.
Hidden Talent: Putting together an Excel spreadsheet.
Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): New England Patriots.
Favourite Holiday Destination: Mykonos, Greece.
#CaprasTop3
Game Day Snacks: Banana, Dark Chocolate, Beetroot Juice.
Movies of ALL Time: Step Brothers, The Big Short, Don’t Mess with the Zohan.
Meals: A good Italian meatballs, Lamb Gyros, Steak and Chips.
Sporting Idols: Lachlan Hubner
Bucket List Destinations: Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Things You Can’t Live Without: My toothbrush.
Worst Drills at Training: Any fitness drill.
Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Getting penalised for a flop twice in one game.
#TeamTalk
Who is the team pest? Aaron Moore.
Who is always late to training? Nixon Putt.
Who takes the longest to get ready? Me.
Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Justen Parle.
Who is the best dressed on the team? Zev ‘Timomatic’ John.
Who is the worst dressed on the team? Blake Moore.
Who is the biggest joker on the team? Aaron Moore.
