WIGAN chief executive Kris Radlinski believes Brad O’Neill is using his frustrations of 2025 as a driving force for a more successful season this time around.
The homegrown hooker’s last campaign didn’t start until round six of Super League as he recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in the July of the Warriors’ memorable 2024 four-trophy campaign.
O’Neill, who had featured in the World Club Challenge triumph over Penrith Panthers and Challenge Cup final victory over Warrington that year, had hopes of enjoying another Grand Final success after that of 2023 (against Catalans) when Matt Peet’s side lined up against Hull KR in October’s Old Trafford repeat of the 2024 Grand Final, which he missed amid his knee surgery as Wigan were winners.
However, the Warriors were forced the relinquish the trophy by rampant Rovers, who took advantage of O’Neill’s first-half sinbinning to run in the two tries which set the platform for their 24-6 victory.
Then the 23-year-old missed out on selection for the Ashes, thwarting any chance of adding the cap he gained in the 40-8 win over France in Toulouse in June 2024.
Wigan have been on a pre-season training camp in Tenerife, from where Radlinski wrote a regular blog and noted: “Brad has trained like a man with a point to prove.
“The Grand Final disappointment and missing out on England selection for the Ashes clearly sit with him, and he’s channelled that the right way.
“We’ve always known Brad has leadership potential. He leads through action, but away from the pitch he’s a genuine spirit-lifter. He makes people laugh simply by being himself. He’s authentic.”
O’Neill first caught the eye with Widnes club Halton Farnworth Hornets as a junior, and came through the Warriors’ development ranks to make a first-team debut in 2021. He has figured 92 times for the club.
Among the players being put through their paces in Tenerife were Academy trio George Marsden, a halfback, Jovi Bentley-Elliott, a centre, and Charlie Jeffrey-Stott, a second rower.
Wigan host Hull FC in Liam Marshall’s testimonial on Sunday.