Cowboys NRL player Ben Condon joins Capras for 2025 Q-Cup season

A towering forward will bring some much-needed NRL experience to the Capras as they look to continue their strong form in the Hostplus Cup.

The CQ Capras have started their pre-season training. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Ben Condon’s rugby league journey has come full circle.

Seven years after graduating from Rockhampton Grammar School, the 24-year-old finds himself back in the city and preparing to suit up for the CQ Capras in the Hostplus Cup.

In the interim, he has been honing his craft with the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles, making 17 appearances in the NRL.

Ben Condon in full flight for the North Queensland Cowboys. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The Capras will welcome the experience of the towering back rower, having lost seasoned campaigners such as long-serving skipper Jack Madden, utility forward Lachlan Hubner and hooker Trey Brown.

The team will be looking to continue its impressive form in the Hostplus Cup, having made the finals series for the past three years under head coach Lionel Harbin.

Ben has had two training sessions with the Capras’ squad and said he had been warmly welcomed into the fold.

He was also excited to renew his connection with former schoolmates and good friends, brothers Blake and Aaron Moore.

“It’s been really enjoyable so far,” Ben said.

“I know the Capras have had a lot of success the past couple of years and I’m looking forward to adding to the team and learning from everyone.

Ben Condon playing for Manly in an NRL pre-season trial against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in February 2024. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“My goal is to get back into a Super League or NRL system but right now it’s about enjoying my footy, playing with this squad and winning some footy.

“The Capras gave me my first rep opportunity when I moved to Rockhampton in high school so it’s really exciting to be back with them again.”

Born in Roma, Ben played his junior league with St John’s School in the Roma and District competition, his dad Rory recalling how his son “loved footy from day one”.

That passion never wavered and only grew stronger when his family relocated to Rockhampton and he enrolled at Rocky Grammar.

Ben Condon during his schoolboys footy days with Rockhampton Grammar. Photo: David Thomson

He played several seasons with Rockhampton Brothers and with the CQ Capras in the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cup.

One of his greatest achievements came in his senior year when he named player of the tournament after Grammar’s win at the Confraternity Carnival.

Ben headed north to join the Cowboys and after several years playing with their feeder club, the Townsville Blackhawks, cracked the NRL in 2020.

His debut game - Round 19 against the Penrith Panthers - is something he will always treasure.

“it was pretty exciting,” Ben said.

Ben Condon pictured with teammate Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow after his NRL debut in 2020. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Even though it was a Covid year, I had mates drive long distances to watch the game and mum and dad came up so it was really special to have them in the crowd watching.”

Ben is keen to have the chance to play in front of his parents again when he dons the Capras jersey this year.

“Playing back home in front of them is going to be so good,” he said.

“Having the chance to play for the Capras will give me a lot of pride.

“This is where my family calls home so it will add more meaning to me representing the region where they live.”

Ben and his Capras’ squad members are into the pre-season grind, preparing for their first trial against the Dolphins at Gladstone on Saturday, February 8.