SIGNING a two-year contract with Leigh Leopards ahead of the 2025 Super League season, Ethan O’Neill was ‘surprised’ to be moving on after just one year.
The 26-year-old signed for Leeds Rhinos on a three-year deal during this off-season after registering 22 appearances for the Leopards.
And O’Neill feels he has come to Headingley to prove a point.
“All the boys and coaching staff have been unbelievable. I feel like I’ve come here with the mindset to prove myself and back myself a lot more,” O’Neill told League Express.
“It’s really exciting for a new journey. It’s been really good so far.”
So why did O’Neill make the move from Leigh to Leeds?
“The players they’ve got here, the coaching staff and Brad Arthur and the club itself – it’s a massive club and everyone knows it and I feel it will better me as a player.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to prove myself and show everyone what I’ve got.”
The back-rower initially signed a two-year deal at Leigh, leaving halfway through that contract – and that even surprised O’Neill himself.
“I was surprised to be honest because not everyone goes into a two-year contract expecting to leave after just one year but things happen for a reason.
“Coming here, I feel like it was what’s best for me and it’s going to take me in the right direction to where I want to be in my career.
“I feel like I’ve made the right decision for myself at the end of the day.”