Connor Rothery may have tossed his mouthguard two minutes into his first game, but he’s never looked back since. The Cairns Kangaroos junior made his Capras debut in 2024, bringing with him a love of family, a competitive edge, and a commitment to playing his best footy in the #1 jersey. Off the field, he’s a karaoke king, pizza lover, and dad who dreams of one day lining up alongside his old man and uncles—just for fun.
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 at fullback for Capras
Biggest Lesson Footy’s 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
Favourite 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 Rugby 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 an Island With: Riley Reid
Best Dressed: Tyler Zep
Worst Dressed: I feel like everyone’s not too bad haha
Biggest Joker: Bailey Cav
