NRL 2015: Cowboys’ Matthew Wright hopeful Justin O’Neill can spark North Queensland right edge
MATTHEW Wright is hopeful the pick-up of Justin O’Neill will see the Cowboys right edge thrive as it did when he was firing alongside Brent Tate.
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MATTHEW Wright is hopeful the pick-up of Justin O’Neill will see the Cowboys right edge thrive as it did when he was firing alongside retired Origin centre Brent Tate.
Wright, 23, could partner O’Neil on North Queensland’s right side next year, and Wright himself has sung O’Neill’s praises as the club enters its Christmas break.
Banned from playing NRL earlier this year after accepting a plea deal from ASADA’s investigation into Cronulla’s 2011 supplements program, Wright is nevertheless determined to regain his starting spot.
And he sees no reason why O’Neill cannot be there with him.
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“He’s got the talent and he’s definitely got the speed,” Wright said.
“I played with him on the same junior Kangaroos team and also against him in my younger days, and it’s awesome that he’s now coming up here.
“I think he’s going to be a great signing for the club and be really handy for us.”
Wright proved a revelation this season after gaining a first-grade lifeline from head coach Paul Green in January, just as he was on the verge of seeking full-time employment outside of football.
Making his Cowboys NRL debut in Round 5, Wright played eight games outside Tate on the wing and cemented his first-grade spot with a string of solid performances.
“We’ll all be fighting for positions next year, that’s me and Justin (O’Neill) included,” Wright said.
“But like I said, I think Justin’s going to be a very handy player for us.
“He’s a good bloke and he’s real quiet, but when he’s out on the field he does his work.”
Wright himself is back training with the club after completing his suspension last month, returning with an impressively lean figure.
“There’s definitely been a good vibe here and the boys are ready to go,” Wright said.
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