James O’connor

31, Pullenvale, Queensland Reds

What time do you wake up on a Saturday?

Early! After I’ve got a coffee in hand, my partner Bridget (Baumann, 30, holistic health practitioner) and I like to head down to the Gold Coast or the hinterland and get into some water.

What’s your go-to weekend breakfast?

You’ll often find me at Barefoot Barista, Palm Beach. If I’m not there, I’m making a bacon and egg burrito on the barbie at home.

Best place to go with dogs?

The beach or any water hole. Apollo, our two-year-old keeshond, loves swimming probably more than I do, which says a lot.

Favourite park?

We have a lot of little tracks and parks within walking distance from home. Otherwise I head up to Mt Coot-tha to walk the trails.

Local coffee haunt?

I have two coffee spots – The Single Guys, Kenmore, and Peach Cafe, Auchenflower.

Favourite sports bar?

Mostly you’ll find me watching at home with some mates and a beer, otherwise the Regatta Hotel isn’t too far down the road.

Favourite sports venue?

On the pitch! Suncorp Stadium is awesome, the crowd is really close and the field seems wider than most. Internationally, I loved playing at Principality Stadium in Wales.

Best spot for date night?

Most recently Bridget and I tried Botellon, a Spanish tapas and wine bar in Graceville.

Favourite restaurant?

I don’t have a favourite but I love Sake, Eagle Street Pier.

Favourite takeaway?

Sushi at Palm Beach – trust me it’s worth the trip down. Pick some up, then take it to eat on the beach. Otherwise, vegie spring rolls, curry puffs and a panaeng curry with coconut rice from My Thai, Auchenflower.

Favourite pub/bar to catch up with friends?

I prefer to have mates over to mine, either in Pullenvale or my rainforest holiday home on acreage in NSW.

The last beer in a pub was at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, Albion.

Where and when do you exercise?

Exercise is a key component of not just my life, but my work. Most of the time I train at Ballymore, but I also like to mix it up with hikes or weights in the home gym I’ve built. There’s also a great spot near Burleigh Beach, where I do hill work and stair running.

Best hidden treasure in Queensland?

Currumbin Rock Pools is pretty nice.

Favourite place to holiday in Queensland?

Port Douglas has a lot to offer.

What’s your idea of a perfect off-season Saturday?

Wake up early and get out of the house for a walk with Bridget and Apollo, then cook up a decent breakfast and lounge for a few hours beside the pool.