ETHAN O’NEILL couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start to his Leeds Rhinos Super League career.
After moving to ATM Headingley Stadium over the winter from Leigh Leopards, the 26-year-old backrower hasn’t had to wait long before renewing old acquaintances in the North West.
Fresh from making his official club debut in their victory over Widnes last Saturday, O’Neill is in line to make his Super League bow for Leeds against the Leopards, at Leigh Sports Village, on Friday night – and it’s an occasion he can’t wait for.
“When I first moved to Leeds, and before the fixtures even came out, I was telling family and friends that I couldn’t wait until we were playing at Leigh and I could go back and play there again,” said O’Neill.
“Everyone knows the crowd there is pretty pumping, especially the North Stand, so for that to be my first Super League game for Leeds, in Leigh – it gives goosebumps just thinking about it. I can’t wait for it.
“Obviously I do know a bit about Leigh, but everyone knows they are a good side. We’ll just stick to our own game and back ourselves for every second of the game. I have no doubt we’ll go there and play well.”
The excitement doesn’t end there for O’Neill though, as Leeds’ next away day sees them head over the Atlantic to face Hull KR in Las Vegas a fortnight later. The Rhinos face a home time against newly-promoted York in between the two trips.
“That is going to be an experience of a lifetime,” added O’Neill.
“I am a big fan of the NFL, so to be able to go to America and play on an NFL field before even seeing a game live is pretty cool and something not many people will be able to say they’ve done.”