In focus: Brad O’Neill

Brad O’Neill is set to make his Wigan Warriors debut off the bench tonight as the Cherry and Whites face Wakefield Trinity in Round 11 of the Betfred Super League. Here ten facts for you to get to know the 18-year-old hooker…

• O’Neill was born in Leigh on 22nd July 2002.
• He has been playing Rugby League since the age of five after joining Widnes-based amateur club Halton Farnworth Hornets ARLFC.
• In September 2017, O’Neill signed for Wigan’s Scholarship system and played two seasons for the Under-16s team.

• Whilst playing for Wigan’s Scholarship side, he gained international youth experience, representing England Youth four times. In one of those games, O’Neill broke two ribs and suffered a liver laceration injury.
• The 18-year-old is predominantly a hooker but can also play in the loose forward position.
• He progressed into Wigan’s Academy in 2019 and also represented Lancashire Academy twice. In July that year though, he suffered an ACL injury in a game against the City of Hull Academy, which ruled him out until 2020 – a year which saw all Academy games suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Due to injury and the pandemic, O’Neill has made just eight appearances for Wigan’s Under-19s team. He is still eligible to play for the Under-19s now.

• In March 2021, he played for the first time in over 20 months – gaining first team experience for the Warriors, as he featured in the pre-season friendly against Salford Red Devils.
• In April this year, O’Neill signed for Widnes Vikings on a four-week loan deal. His spell with the Betfred Championship club was extended and he played nine games and scored two tries in his time there. He also made an average of 42 tackles per game.

• On Thursday against Wakefield, he will make his Wigan first team debut from the bench, earning the Heritage Number 1112.

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