MATT PEET believes Brad O’Neill is currently enjoying the form of his life for the Wigan Warriors.
O’Neill has been a significant figure in their side this season, playing every game bar the weakened line-up fielded at Hull KR prior to the Challenge Cup triumph over the same opposition at Wembley in May.
He was rewarded for his great form with a call-up to Brian McDermott’s England performance programme earlier this year.
The 24-year-old has registered over 100 appearances for Wigan since debuting for the club back in 2021, but this is the season he has turned into a vital cog in the Warriors’ wheel.
Able to play 80 minutes and always at the forefront of Wigan’s good play, O’Neill has come in for special praise from coach Peet.
“I think the fact he had a pre-season, he’s got consistency in his game with his attack and defence,” Peet said ahead of Friday’s derby with St Helens.
“He’s playing bigger minutes for us which is something he had always craved and he’s getting that now and is certainly responding.
“He’s growing up but he’s still younger than what people sometimes think.
“It’s the best form he’s been in during his career. He had a bad injury at 16 years old and had a couple of ACLs as well.
“He is a fine young man and exactly what you would want as a Wigan player.
“He is physical, hard-working and wants to get better. He is a lovely lad and proud dad.
“We’ve got a good group here and he is one of them.”