Connor Guley key to Rocky Brothers claiming A-grade minor premiership

Discover the secret behind Rocky Brothers’ unbeaten run to the minor premiership and the rising star who’s capturing the coach’s admiration.

Pam McKay

2 min read

July 15, 2025 - 8:23AM

News Sport Network

Rockhampton Brothers have wrapped up the Rocky Rugby League A-grade minor premiership with two rounds of the regular season to go. Photo: Karen Chapman

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Rocky Brothers have done plenty right on their way to securing the A-grade men’s minor premiership but there’s one storyline in particular that has delighted coach Damien Seibold.

That is the emergence of Connor Guley as one of the leading custodians in Rockhampton Rugby League’s top division.

“Connor’s probably the one for me,” Seibold said, when asked to nominate one of the team’s breakout performers.

“He’s gone from under-19 last year to playing every game in A-grade and making his Q-Cup debut with the Capras this year.

“To watch someone develop and come so far so quickly is really satisfying as a coach.

Rockhampton Brothers fullback Connor Guley has been a sensation in his first season in A-grade. Photo: Karen Chapman

“He is an athletic young bloke who is tough and works really hard each week.

“He’s eager to learn and great to coach.”

Brothers remain unbeaten and sit five points clear of Yeppoon and reigning champs Emu Park (both on 18), with Norths in fourth on 14 points with two rounds of the regular season to play.

Seibold puts Brothers’ good form down to the players’ constant strive for improvement.

“Our game plan and how we play hasn’t really changed, we’re just getting better at how we execute it,” he said.

“Everyone is working hard and they’re all doing what they’re asked to do.”

Front rower Darcy Hancock has made an impressive return. Photo: Karen Chapman

Seibold is also enjoying the luxury of greater depth in his squad this season.

“We’ve got 22, 23 quality players that we’re able to call on… and they all deserve to be in the top 17,” he said.

“I think that’s helped a lot in that we can afford to rest guys when they’re injured and players are constantly having to work hard, otherwise they’re missing out on a spot in the side.”

Seibold said much of the team’s success had been forged on the back of their formidable forward pack, ably led by skipper and dummy half Josh Mitchell.

The return this season of super-fit front rower Darcy Hancock and battle-hardened back rower Ayden Cooper had added some mettle and experience.

Halfback Dayne Shadlow. Photo: Karen Chapman

Halfback Dayne Shadlow had been one of Brothers’ most consistent all season and is the competition’s second highest points scorer with 94, due largely to his accurate right boot.

Brothers will face Yeppoon and Gladstone Valleys in their last two fixtures and Seibold is confident there will be no complacency from his troops.

“There’s been some really good quality footy in this competition and we’ve got two tough games coming up, which will be good preparation for the finals,” he said.

“We just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing and that is getting a bit better each week.”