With a bright future ahead, O’Neill is fully committed to Wigan and excited to play a key role in the club’s continued success in the years to come as he works through his injury recovery and readies himself for a return to the field.
Wigan Warriors’ rising star, Brad O’Neill, has firmly committed his long-term
future to the club, putting any rumors about a potential NRL move to rest.
After signing a new five-year contract with Wigan last month, the 22-year-old
hooker has made it clear that he has no immediate intentions of leaving the
Super League side, despite acknowledging the allure of the Australian
competition.
O’Neill, who has been part of the Warriors’ youth development since he was
just 14, recently endured a serious knee injury in July. While the recovery
from the injury means he will miss the start of the 2025 season, his decision to
extend his contract with Wigan signifies his dedication to the club that has
supported him through thick and thin. The new deal also puts an end to any
speculation that the young talent might leave for the NRL anytime soon,
ensuring that his focus remains on the Warriors.
“The NRL has always been a dream of mine,” O’Neill admitted, speaking to
Yorkshire Live. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but at this moment,
why would I want to leave Wigan?” For the young hooker, Wigan represents
more than just a rugby team—it’s a home, and a place where he has felt
supported throughout his career. Despite the allure of the NRL, O’Neill’s deep
connection to Wigan and its culture outweighs any temptation to play in
Australia.
Wigan Warriors are coming off an incredibly successful season, having won a
remarkable quadruple. O’Neill believes that the current culture and
environment at the club are key reasons why staying with Wigan is the best
decision for his career. “We have the best facilities, the best coaching, and just
good people all around,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the team’s
strong foundations. For O’Neill, it’s not just about winning trophies—although
that’s certainly a bonus—but about the people who make up the club and the
incredible atmosphere that has made Wigan feel like home to him.
Reflecting on his journey with the Warriors, O’Neill shared that the club has
stood by him during some tough times, including two major ACL injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Wigan’s unwavering support has helped him grow
both as a player and as an individual. “Wigan has been my home since I was
14,” he explained, “and I’ve had some difficult times with injuries, but they’ve
always stuck by me.” This loyalty to the club has solidified his bond with
Wigan and reinforced his desire to continue his career with them.
Since making his debut in June 2021, O’Neill has quickly become a mainstay
in Wigan’s first team. With 68 appearances and five tries to his name, he has
firmly established himself as the club’s first-choice hooker over the past two
seasons. His consistency and hard work on the field have made him one of the
most exciting young talents in the Super League.
Despite the ongoing rumors of players moving to the NRL, O’Neill’s sentiment
echoes that of many others within Wigan’s ranks, where the sense of unity and
pride is palpable. “Everyone wants to stay,” O’Neill observed, “and I can see
why other players want to stay and sign long-term deals.” His decision to
commit his future to the Warriors highlights the strength of the club’s culture,
and the way it fosters an environment where players want to stay and succeed
together.
As Wigan Warriors look ahead to the new season, O’Neill’s commitment
serves as a strong testament to the club’s growth and ambition. The young
hooker’s loyalty to Wigan is a reflection of the unity and success that have
defined the club in recent years. With a promising future ahead, O’Neill’s
focus is firmly on Wigan, and he is eager to contribute to even more success in
the coming years as he continues to recover from his injury and prepare for his
return to the pitch.
