O’Neill pens new five-year deal
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
Brilliant news as hes the best hooker in the country by a mile
IF YOU STRIKE ME DOWN I WILL BECOME MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
I do think he will end up in the backrow at some point so all might not be lost for forber/ ratchford
IF YOU STRIKE ME DOWN I WILL BECOME MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
i agree, and i'm not one for promoting / moving players to play in another position for the sake of it, but i genuinely think with Brad he'll be our next 13 after Ellis as he has ball playing attributes and defensively strongFirestarter wrote: ↑Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:11 am I do think he will end up in the backrow at some point so all might not be lost for forber/ ratchford
Ellis is contracted until the end of 26 season, at which point he'll be 30 (or thereabouts) so definitely not past it, but this is where Rads etc will earn their money in making the right decisions for the club. Does / will Kaide warrant a new contract, or do we have a ready made 13 (O'Neill - note i could be wrong on this) and this also eases the hooker conundrum and gives Leeming / Forber game time with a view to Forber becoming no1 once Leeming contract is up in 27 i believe?
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
How Wigan Warriors secured young star to new long-term contract as CEO Kris Radlinski shares delight
Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski has shared his delight of re-signing young star Brad O’Neill to a new long-term contract.
The 22-year-old hooker recently agreed to a new five-year deal with the reigning champions, despite having a somewhat appetite to test himself in the NRL in the future.
However, talking to Wigan Today, CEO Radlinski has explained the process behind O’Neill’s new deal and how the club’s culture was a big positive in negotiations.
He is already a Grand Final winner, a two-time Challenge Cup winner, a World Club Challenge winner and a two-time League Leaders’ Shield winner, and had already been signed until 2027.
Radlinski said: “Me and Matt [Peet] did the deal with Brad alone, no manager. There was an appetite to go to Australia, but he said if the deal was right [he’d sign].
“He likes where the club is at, he likes the things we’re doing, he likes the feel about the place and if it was right he’d commit long-term.
“One of the things that the New York Giants shared with us, they had a rating system of where you are as a player and where you are as a person. If you think about both of them, Brad would score really, really highly
“He adds to the culture of the place, he’s got a great sense of humor, he’s young, he’s got presence and he’s potential leadership stuff. To get him tied down for five years is a really big one for us.”
Radlinski believes that the club’s ever-growing culture has been a big step in helping tie down their stars to long-term contracts, including 2024 Young Super League Player of the Year Junior Nsemba until the end of 2030, with the strong backing of owner Mike Danson.
He continued: “It’s why things like Robin Park and the evolution of this place is important, Las Vegas is important, you’re doing things differently and people are buying into it.
“People are buying into a wider vision. We made a real emphasis this year on families. We put coaches on to games for families, and I know it’s something Mike is really keen on; what more can we do to look after people and to make the experience of Wigan Warriors the best it can be.”
https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ht-4910301
Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski has shared his delight of re-signing young star Brad O’Neill to a new long-term contract.
The 22-year-old hooker recently agreed to a new five-year deal with the reigning champions, despite having a somewhat appetite to test himself in the NRL in the future.
However, talking to Wigan Today, CEO Radlinski has explained the process behind O’Neill’s new deal and how the club’s culture was a big positive in negotiations.
He is already a Grand Final winner, a two-time Challenge Cup winner, a World Club Challenge winner and a two-time League Leaders’ Shield winner, and had already been signed until 2027.
Radlinski said: “Me and Matt [Peet] did the deal with Brad alone, no manager. There was an appetite to go to Australia, but he said if the deal was right [he’d sign].
“He likes where the club is at, he likes the things we’re doing, he likes the feel about the place and if it was right he’d commit long-term.
“One of the things that the New York Giants shared with us, they had a rating system of where you are as a player and where you are as a person. If you think about both of them, Brad would score really, really highly
“He adds to the culture of the place, he’s got a great sense of humor, he’s young, he’s got presence and he’s potential leadership stuff. To get him tied down for five years is a really big one for us.”
Radlinski believes that the club’s ever-growing culture has been a big step in helping tie down their stars to long-term contracts, including 2024 Young Super League Player of the Year Junior Nsemba until the end of 2030, with the strong backing of owner Mike Danson.
He continued: “It’s why things like Robin Park and the evolution of this place is important, Las Vegas is important, you’re doing things differently and people are buying into it.
“People are buying into a wider vision. We made a real emphasis this year on families. We put coaches on to games for families, and I know it’s something Mike is really keen on; what more can we do to look after people and to make the experience of Wigan Warriors the best it can be.”
https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ht-4910301
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
Wigan Warriors’ Brad O’Neill explains career decision and talks NRL
Moving to the NRL would see Brad O’Neill fulfil a dream but he has no intention of leaving Wigan Warriors at the moment. O’Neill penned a new five-year deal with the Warriors last month and in doing so, committed his long-term future to the club where his career began.
The deal came as he continues his return from the serious knee injury he picked up in July with the hooker set to miss the start of the new Super League season at least. However, his contract also put an end to any fears the club could lose the 22-year-old to the NRL in the near future.
O’Neill admits he would love to test himself down under, but leaving Wigan, who are fresh off the back of a quadruple winning campaign, is certainly not on the agenda and isn’t likely to be any time soon
Wigan has been my home since I was 14,” he told Yorkshire Live. “I’ve done two ACLs here and they’ve always stuck by me. The way I feel, it’s like home.
“The NRL has always been a dream of mine but at the same time, why would you want to leave Wigan at this moment in time? The culture here, the fact we’re winning trophies is a bonus but the place—we have the best facilities in my opinion, the best coaching in my opinion, and just good people all around. So this is where I want to be and I’m looking forward to being here for the coming years.
“It’s something I’m sure you’ve heard a lot but everyone wants to stay and it shows how good a place it is. I can see why other players want to stay and sign long-term deals. It’s about the people in the place and off the back of that we’re playing good rugby and winning silverware.”
O’Neill emerged through the youth ranks at the Brick Community Stadium to make his debut for the club in June 2021. He has gone on to make 68 appearances for Wigan Warriors with five tries coming along the way, having nailed down the number one hooker spot at the club over the last two seasons.
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... rl-100476/
Moving to the NRL would see Brad O’Neill fulfil a dream but he has no intention of leaving Wigan Warriors at the moment. O’Neill penned a new five-year deal with the Warriors last month and in doing so, committed his long-term future to the club where his career began.
The deal came as he continues his return from the serious knee injury he picked up in July with the hooker set to miss the start of the new Super League season at least. However, his contract also put an end to any fears the club could lose the 22-year-old to the NRL in the near future.
O’Neill admits he would love to test himself down under, but leaving Wigan, who are fresh off the back of a quadruple winning campaign, is certainly not on the agenda and isn’t likely to be any time soon
Wigan has been my home since I was 14,” he told Yorkshire Live. “I’ve done two ACLs here and they’ve always stuck by me. The way I feel, it’s like home.
“The NRL has always been a dream of mine but at the same time, why would you want to leave Wigan at this moment in time? The culture here, the fact we’re winning trophies is a bonus but the place—we have the best facilities in my opinion, the best coaching in my opinion, and just good people all around. So this is where I want to be and I’m looking forward to being here for the coming years.
“It’s something I’m sure you’ve heard a lot but everyone wants to stay and it shows how good a place it is. I can see why other players want to stay and sign long-term deals. It’s about the people in the place and off the back of that we’re playing good rugby and winning silverware.”
O’Neill emerged through the youth ranks at the Brick Community Stadium to make his debut for the club in June 2021. He has gone on to make 68 appearances for Wigan Warriors with five tries coming along the way, having nailed down the number one hooker spot at the club over the last two seasons.
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... rl-100476/
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
I do hate when those 3 dreaded letters appear in any interview let’s hope he’s here for the long term,I doubt it but we shall see
The artist formally known as fozziekskem
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Re: O’Neill pens new five-year deal
O’Neill: Return stronger
BRAD O’NEILL IS MOTIVATED TO RETURNING FROM INJURY STRONGER THAN BEFORE AS HE CONTINUES HIS REHABILITATION AT ROBIN PARK ARENA.
The 22-year-old, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Round 19, stepped up his recovery before Christmas as he returned to running on grass. Providing an update at the Club’s training centre, O’Neill expressed his delight on hitting a ‘massive’ milestone.
“The body and mind are feeling very good,” O’Neill updated. “All you think about post-surgery is running but you can only start when you’re ready. It’s taken a lot of hard work but it’s a positive position to be in which is credit to our physios.”
The Warriors Scholarship graduate, who sustained an ACL injury whilst playing in an Academy fixture, explained how the setback in 2019 has helped shape his mindset this time around.
“I knew what to expect,” O’Neill revealed. “Those first weeks after surgery are the toughest but it’s important not to look too far ahead and instead focus on short-term goals.
“My mind now is telling me that I’ve done the first half, so I can do the second. I’m dead set on knowing whatever the physios give me, that I’ll be able to do to the best of my ability to come back stronger than before.”
The former Halton Farnworth Hornets amateur also expressed the importance of working alongside Willie Isa, who is recovering from an ankle fracture dislocation injury sustained in April.
“You know you’re going to experience tough days so it’s about embracing those and enjoying the good ones,” O’Neill said. “The strength of having a partner is that you have someone to help you get through the tough days.
“I’ve been in with Willie throughout and having someone to work alongside makes the process easier. There’s been times when I’ve been frustrated with wanting to do more, however, Willie will be the one to make sure I understand why. It’s all a learning curve in which I hope I’m that person for Willie through his injury.”
The hooker experienced a successful start to the 2024 season which saw O’Neill lift the Betfred World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup trophies before he made his international debut in June as England beat France at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
They were all proud moments and massive milestones in my career,” O’Neill revealed. “Last year was special but sad because of the way it had to end.
“It was tough having to watch from the stands, however, I’m proud of what the group went on to achieve and I’m delighted for those lads who got the opportunity. These are special times and I’m so proud to be a part of this group.”
O’Neill penned a new five-year contract last month in a deal that will see him remain at the Warriors until 2027. When speaking through his extension, O’Neill highlighted the Club’s culture has a key reason behind his decision.
“Our culture is the positive mentality around the place,” O’Neill said. “That mentality enables us to work incredibly hard whilst enjoying the time we have together. Our honesty as a group creates a culture where everyone pushes each other to achieve the best – that’s the Wigan Way.”
https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/01/ ... -stronger/
BRAD O’NEILL IS MOTIVATED TO RETURNING FROM INJURY STRONGER THAN BEFORE AS HE CONTINUES HIS REHABILITATION AT ROBIN PARK ARENA.
The 22-year-old, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Round 19, stepped up his recovery before Christmas as he returned to running on grass. Providing an update at the Club’s training centre, O’Neill expressed his delight on hitting a ‘massive’ milestone.
“The body and mind are feeling very good,” O’Neill updated. “All you think about post-surgery is running but you can only start when you’re ready. It’s taken a lot of hard work but it’s a positive position to be in which is credit to our physios.”
The Warriors Scholarship graduate, who sustained an ACL injury whilst playing in an Academy fixture, explained how the setback in 2019 has helped shape his mindset this time around.
“I knew what to expect,” O’Neill revealed. “Those first weeks after surgery are the toughest but it’s important not to look too far ahead and instead focus on short-term goals.
“My mind now is telling me that I’ve done the first half, so I can do the second. I’m dead set on knowing whatever the physios give me, that I’ll be able to do to the best of my ability to come back stronger than before.”
The former Halton Farnworth Hornets amateur also expressed the importance of working alongside Willie Isa, who is recovering from an ankle fracture dislocation injury sustained in April.
“You know you’re going to experience tough days so it’s about embracing those and enjoying the good ones,” O’Neill said. “The strength of having a partner is that you have someone to help you get through the tough days.
“I’ve been in with Willie throughout and having someone to work alongside makes the process easier. There’s been times when I’ve been frustrated with wanting to do more, however, Willie will be the one to make sure I understand why. It’s all a learning curve in which I hope I’m that person for Willie through his injury.”
The hooker experienced a successful start to the 2024 season which saw O’Neill lift the Betfred World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup trophies before he made his international debut in June as England beat France at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
They were all proud moments and massive milestones in my career,” O’Neill revealed. “Last year was special but sad because of the way it had to end.
“It was tough having to watch from the stands, however, I’m proud of what the group went on to achieve and I’m delighted for those lads who got the opportunity. These are special times and I’m so proud to be a part of this group.”
O’Neill penned a new five-year contract last month in a deal that will see him remain at the Warriors until 2027. When speaking through his extension, O’Neill highlighted the Club’s culture has a key reason behind his decision.
“Our culture is the positive mentality around the place,” O’Neill said. “That mentality enables us to work incredibly hard whilst enjoying the time we have together. Our honesty as a group creates a culture where everyone pushes each other to achieve the best – that’s the Wigan Way.”
https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/01/ ... -stronger/
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan