Melbourne Storm grant Justin O’Neill a release to join North Queensland Cowboys
NORTH Queensland have added extra firepower to their blistering backline by signing Melbourne Storm’s premiership-winning winger Justin O’Neill.
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NORTH Queensland have added extra firepower to their blistering backline by signing Melbourne Storm’s premiership-winning winger Justin O’Neill.
O’Neill, who scored a try in Melbourne’s 2012 grand final win, will return home to Townsville on a two-year deal and looms as the ideal replacement for the retired Brent Tate.
The flying winger/centre played 67 NRL matches for the Storm and scored 34 tries after making his first grade debut in 2010.
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He will also bring finals experience to the Cowboys backline with five September outings to his name including the 2012 decider when he crossed for a four-pointer in Melbourne’s 14-4 win over Canterbury.
The Townsville Brothers junior represented the NRL All Stars in 2013 and was a Junior Kangaroo in 2010.
“It’s really pleasing for us to be able to bring Justin back to North Queensland to continue his NRL career,” Cowboys football manager Peter Parr said.
“He’s only a young man but he’s had plenty of first grade experience and should have the best years of his career still to come.
“I’m sure our members and fans are going to enjoy having him as part of our club.”
O’Neill, 23, played 67 games in five years for the Storm, although he managed only four games last season due to injury.
He battled to win his back into the side late last season with Fijian pair Marika Koroibete and the departed Sisa Waqa keeping him out.
Melbourne should be able to manage O’Neill’s departure as there are a bevy of young wingers coming through the ranks, such as Victorian Young Tonumaipea.
Storm CEO Mark Evans said: “On behalf of everyone at Storm, I’d like to thank Justin for his contribution to the Club.
“Justin was an Under-20s graduate who went on to become a Premiership-winning winger in 2012 and he will always be welcome at Storm.
“We wish him and his partner well for the future.”
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