Emu Park leading the way in A-grade men’s and women’s rugby league competitions

A star recruit is behind Emu Park’s surge in Rockhampton Rugby League’s A-grade men competition. See which other players across the competition feature as the leading try and point scorers.

Emu Park fullback Connor Rothery scored six tries in his team's win over Tannum Sands in Round 6 of Rockhampton Rugby League's A-grade men's competition. Photo: George Vartabedian

A six-try haul has rocketed Connor Rothery well clear on the list of leading scorers in Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade men’s competition.

The Emu Park fullback had a field day in his team’s 86-nil win over an undermanned Tannum Sands in the Round 6 showdown.

Coach Jason Field believes the six tries would be a club record for the A-grade men, which was previously held by his son Travis, who scored five in a game two years ago.

Jason said while he was “not getting carried away” with the big win, knowing Tannum was understrength, he could not be happier with how his outfit has kicked off its 2024 campaign.

Emu Park men’s coach Jason Field.

It has won its five games, piling on 236 points, and sits on top of the competition ladder.

“The team’s going well; it’s probably the best start to a season we’ve had so I’m super proud of the lads,” he said.

“Connor’s six tries were the result of a team effort, not just an individual one.

“We’ve got really skilled players across the park this year.

“At this stage, we’re building as a side but I hope we can keep improving.”

Emu Park is also leading the way in the women’s competition, enjoying an unbeaten start.

They are being coached by Indigenous All Star and former Rabbitohs player Sarah Field, who has stepped back from rep footy this year.

Sarah Field is coaching the Emu Park senior women.

Jason said it was good for the young players to be guided and learning from experienced players such as his daughter Sarah and Tarni Smith.

“It’ll get tougher (for the women) as the season goes on, especially now with the Capras being finished and all those girls rolling back to their clubs,” he said.

“It’s good to get a good start but they need to maintain what they’re doing to be able to be there at the back end of the season.”

Jason said the arrival of Rothery this season had been a real boon for the men.

Him filling the number one jersey had allowed Travis to move to halfback and their on-field combination was proving lethal and was instrumental in the team’s early success.

Emu Park halfback Travis Field on the attack, with teammates Jake Lawton and Connor Rothery in support. Photo: George Vartabedian

Jason said Rothery, who played his debut game with the CQ Capras in Round 3 of the Hostplus Cup, was lightning fast, elusive and as tough as nails.

Hooker Harry Barham and second rower Isaiah Conway had also been outstanding.

Barham’s boot has also been radar-like. He converted 13 of the 15 tries scored against Tannum and he is the competition’s leading points scorer with 84 with Rothery in second with 48.

Harry Barham has been in great form for Emu Park.

The Emus tackle Norths in a top-of-the-table clash at 3pm Sunday in what Jason knows will be a true litmus test.

“Norths will be very tough. They’ve got a lot of Capras fringe players so they will be strong across the park,” he said.

“My expectation is it will be a very hard-fought battle that will be won in the forwards so I’m hoping my boys step up and take it to them.

“Our backs are highly skilled and I think we will be able to get over them as long as our forwards win the battle up front.”

A-grade men

Top try scorers

1. Connor Rothery - Emu Park - 12 tries

2. Travis Field - Emu Park - 6 tries

3. Francis Darkin - Emu Park - 6 tries

4. Carsen Huth - Gladstone Brothers - 5 tries

5. Anthon Ngunz - Rockhampton Brothers - 5 tries

Top point scorers

1. Harry Barham - Emu Park - 84 points

2. Connor Rothery - Emu Park - 48 points

3. Jye Marriott - Yeppoon - 46 points

4. Kazzi Doyle - Norths - 36 points

5. Deklin Huth - Gladstone Brothers - 32 points

Rockhampton Brothers Alenna Whipp, pictured playing for the CQ Capras, is among the leading try and point scorers in the senior women’s competition.

Senior women

Top try scorers

1. Karaa Benjamin - Wallabys - 8 tries

2. Alenna Whipp - Rockhampton Brothers - 5 tries

3. Delaney Claridge - Valleys - 4 tries

4. Jakaylha Docherty - Wallabies - 4 tries

5. Zeckeisha Oakley - Emu Park - 4 tries

Top point scorers

1. Tashina Ketchup - Emu Park - 40 points

2. Karaa Benjamin - Wallabys - 38 points

3. Alenna Whipp - Rockhampton Brothers - 30 points

4. Delaney Claridge - Wallabys - 28 points

5. Jakaylha Docherty - Wallabys - 16 points

5. Mookie House - Norths - 16 points

5. Zeckeisha Oakley - Emu Park - 16 points