Liam Nebauer grew up in Emerald playing in the backyard with his brothers, and it was those early sessions that built the foundation for a career that has already taken him to Melbourne Storm’s Under 21 programme and onto the AAMI Park turf for the first time last year. For a kid from Central Queensland, running out at one of the best venues in the game is not something you forget.

The back brings the kind of mentality that comes with that pathway. Pressure is a privilege, he says — a line that tells you how he processes expectation. His goal for 2026 is to play consistent, good footy week in and week out for the Capras. He had Billy Slater as his dream team-mate growing up and his dad introduced him to the game — you can trace a direct line from Emerald Brothers through to where he is now.

Away from the field, Nebauer is fully invested in the scroll economy — Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube are listed as the three things he truly cannot live without. He fishes, golfs, and plays Xbox. His hidden talent is being a certified bomb diffuser, which raises more questions than it answers. And his most embarrassing on-field moment? Throwing up on the field right as the team kicked off for the second half. The grind is real.

#OnTheField

Position: Back

Junior Club: Emerald Brothers

What’s your first memory playing rugby league? Playing in the backyard with my brothers.

Who introduced you to the game? My dad and brothers.

Career Highlight: Playing for Melbourne Storm Under 21s last year.

Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Nap.

Most Memorable Game: Getting to play at AAMI Park for the first time.

What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? Play consistent, good footy.

What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? Pressure is a privilege.

What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? Embrace all the good and the bad.

 

#OffTheField

If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? A strength and conditioning coach.

Childhood Hero: My dad.

Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Like That.

Hobbies: Fishing, golf, Xbox.

Favourite Post-Game Meal: Meatlovers pizza.

Hidden Talent: Certified bomb diffuser.

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: If it was easy, everyone would do it.

Favourite Holiday Destination: Gold Coast.

Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: Queensland Maroons.

Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: Billy Slater.

 

#CaprasTop3

Game Day Snacks: Lollies, muesli bar, lollies.

Movies of All Time: Step Brothers, White House Down, Law Abiding Citizen.

Meals: Tacos, steak, lasagne.

Sporting Idols: Stephen Crichton, Jai Opetaia, Billy Slater.

Bucket List Destinations: Dubai, UK, New Zealand.

Things You Can’t Live Without: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube.

Worst Drills at Training: Mapping x3.

Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Vomited on the field right as we kicked off for the second half.

 

#TeamTalk

Who is the team pest? Zac or Tane.

Who is always late to training? Zevy.

Who takes the longest to get ready? Nixon.

Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Zevy.

Who is the best dressed on the team? Radean.

Who is the worst dressed on the team? Nixon — toe shoes.

Who is the biggest joker on the team? Zevy.