O’Neill: Lots More to Come

• Brad O’Neill spoke to wiganwarriors.com following his return to the team during Friday’s win against Salford.
• O’Neill: “Last year I got a really good taste for it and this year it’s about getting more of that and working on the things I need to work on from last year and from the games I play.“
• The 20-year-old played 61 minutes, making 36 tackles and 75 metres in his second Super League appearance of the season.

Brad O’Neill says there’s a lot more to come from him after featuring in Friday’s squad for the 20-16 win against Salford.

The hooker, whose 13 appearances for the Warriors last year included the Semi Final and Final of the Challenge Cup, made his first appearance back in the side since Round 2’s 60-0 win at home to Wakefield, featuring as a 20th minute interchange.

“For a start, it was good to be back in the 17 and after not being in for a couple of weeks.” he said

“It was a tough game, I came on after 20 minutes and got straight into it. Really physical and a really good win, but it took us right until the last 10-15 minutes for us to get into the rhythm we wanted. Those tough wins are always good and will come good at the back end of the year. When the weather’s bad and the game is maybe not going the way you want it to, those games help.”

O’Neill had featured across the Reserves grade for the Warriors whilst being out of the team, including an impressive performance against Huddersfield two weeks ago, which won the plaudits of Head Coach Matt Peet. He said: “Playing in the reserves, it was key for me to have a good performance in those games so that I do get that kind of recognition from Matt, and it’s helped me in knocking on the door to get back into the squad.

“When you’re not in the 17 it is tough on yourself, but it’s about that team first mentality and training hard to prepare the team for the game. I’ve been training hard to get back into the squad and doing everything I can to get back in. It was a case of holding my nerve and fighting to get another chance, working hard for that chance to come.”

O’Neill remains one of the younger members of the Wigan squad aged only 20, and says the experience around him in the coaching squad will help him in improving his game going forward.

“I’ve played three games and I think I’ve been doing alright”, he said, “There’s definitely still things to work on and there’s a lot more to come from me. It just goes back to working hard every week and looking to get back in.

“Last year I got a really good taste for it and this year it’s about getting more of that and working on the things I need to work on from last year and from the games I play. I look to do that week-in week-out, whilst getting better and working on the things with the likes of Sean O’Loughlin, Tommy Leuluai and Matt Peet.”

Thursday night sees Wigan make the short trip to Leigh Leopards for their Super League Round 7 clash and with a fantastic atmosphere expected inside Leigh Sports Village, O’Neill says the squad will be looking to thrive on the intensity of the crowd.

“Leigh is a big game, all the lads are looking forward to it. It should be a really good game. All the lads love playing in a big atmosphere, it’s what we do and what we enjoy. Hopefully it brings the best out of both sides.”

LAST FEW remaining tickets available for Thursday’s game against Leigh Leopards available to purchase for collection HERE.