Sydney FC gun Connor O’Toole’s special off-field talent, A-League 2021/22

This A-League gun has a weird talent for someone who chose football over rugby league because he was better with his feet than his hands.

New Sydney FC signing Connor O’Toole loved rugby league as a kid but discovered early on he was much better with his feet then his hands.

It’s why the 24-year-old chose football over league despite growing up in an area renown for producing top league players and being involved with one of the sports most famous junior clubs, the Botany Rams.

O’Toole has returned to his home town to join Sydney FC for the upcoming A-League season after stints at Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets and will base himself at Mascot where he grew up.

On the weekend he played a major role in Sydney FC’s 5-0 victory over the Macarthur Bulls in a pre-season trial match by setting up on of the goals.

Connor O'Toole played with the Jets last season.

Connor O'Toole in Sydney FC colours. Pic: Jaime Castaneda

“I started in football with Pagewood football club and from 12 onwards was with the Football NSW program. I went off to Sydney Olympic when I was about 14 and then I was in Japan for three years when I was 15, 16 and 17 (at a football Academy),’’ he said.

“I started rugby league young and played for seven or eight years from the age of four.

“I enjoyed playing but I found I was much better with the ball at my feet and not in my hands.

“It also connected me with my dad as well because he absolutely loves football. I was also very tiny growing up and I would get squashed. Mum was also happier with football then rugby league.”

Sydney FC player Connor O'Toole's wooden furniture.

More of the furniture he makes in his garage.

Despite making a career with his feet, off the pitch O’Toole loves to work with his hands.

“I do woodwork, make things like tables chairs, bedside tables at frames, I just wing it,” said O’Toole, whose mother Konomi is Japanese.

“I think it does help me switch off, to do something unrelated to football just refreshes the mind.’’

O’Toole has signed with Sydney FC for the next two seasons and has more than 50 A-League appearances under his belt.

“It’s the biggest moment of my career so far,” he said of joining Sydney FC.

“It’s an opportunity I am determined to take with both hands and I want to help add to the impressive list of trophies this club has won over the years.’’

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