By LIZ MOORE   

After UQ’s 36-31 win against Brothers on the weekend securing their top-of-the-table position, Connor Vest says there’s no secret to the Students’ success. 

The big-performing lock puts it all down to their inspiring coach, Michael Heenan, who has led UQ to Premierships in 11 years.

“There’s no real secret to it. It’s just we all sort of buy into what ‘Heeno’ is out there preaching to us,” Vest said, referring to Heenan who was recently awarded UQ’s Club Service Award for 2020.

“We’re just going out there trying to be the best player that we can be and working as a team to get that outcome,” Vest said. 

Vest described Heenan’s coaching as sometimes audacious but clinical. As for where his coach’s inspiration comes from, Vest looks to the man himself.

“It’s more of a respect thing. We respect him that much that we don’t want to let him down. 

“It’s just in his demeanour. He has an aura as a person, you just respect him straight away. 

“You look back at his CV and all the wins and all the losses that outweigh themselves, and see how successful he has been, and you just want to be a part of that.”

It was this record of success and a chance to improve his rugby under Heenan’s guidance that brought Vest from Sydney to the Queensland Premier Rugby competition. 

“I just looked at how successful Uni’s been in the past decade, and wanted to be a part of that and see if I can add my tools of the trade and get better at the same time.”

Grafton-born Vest has been quick to impress on the Brisbane rugby stage, and has been happy with the strong reviews his performances have attracted.

“It makes me feel that what I’m doing up here is I’m achieving something, and I’m pushing closer to achieving my dream of being a professional rugby player,” Vest said.

After playing Waratahs Under 20s and five years of NRC in Sydney, Vest has long been tipped to break into Super Rugby circles, but is still waiting for the opportunity by giving his all to his club. 

For the previous seven years, he played for Northern Suburbs in Sydney, and was part of the team that won them their first grand final in 41 years.  

“It was a very special moment. Something I’ll hold dearly in my heart forever,” Vest said of his first premiership.

In comparing Sydney’s Norths to UQ, Vest said the difference comes in the coaching consistency.  

“It’s a very similar culture. Every club has their weirdos. I probably fall into that category a little bit.

“We’re obviously driving for more success here, with Heeno’s success rate and coaching compared to Norths. Chopping and changing coaches is always hard to get a bit of continuity throughout the club and grades. 

“Whereas if you’re with one coach, or the coach has been there for a longer time, the game plan and the structures are very similar year in, year out.

“Coming up here, I’m relishing every moment. I’m definitely loving it, teaching young Uni kids how to play,” said the 26-year-old builder who has taken on a leadership role within his young group.

As for their match-up against underdog Norths this weekend, Vest is straightforward.

“I approach every team versus the team in white jerseys approach where it doesn’t matter who you play, you play the exact same way, the same style of play.

“We’re going to approach this weekend the same as we approach GPS and Brothers. We’re going to go out there and play our best footy and hopefully the scoreboard reflects that. We’re not going to take any second chances.”

As for his own game, Vest has been beefing up for his best weighing in at 116kg and 195cm in height.

“It’s definitely the heaviest I’ve played. It’s helping me get through my contact and dominate through my contact a little bit more than what I’m used to.”

IMAGE: BRENDAN HERTEL / QRU