Ethan O’Neill, an Australian attacker, has signed a two-year contract with the Leicester Leopards.
Given that his father, Julian O’Neill, scored 122 points in 12 games for Leigh in 2006, he is expected to join the select few dads and sons who play for the team.
The 25-year-old Sydney native, a second-row forward, has played for the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney, but in 2024 he was a regular for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup.
Ethan is an edge back rower who has participated in numerous Queensland Cup and NSW Cup matches in recent seasons, according to Leopards rugby head coach Chris Chester.
After Kai O’Donnell left, it was crucial to provide depth to the back row.
“I’m really excited to come to Leigh and join a club that’s building something special,” O’Neill stated.
“I’m very excited to meet the players, staff, and fans in particular!
“It’s a huge chance for me to come over and demonstrate to everyone my character and skill as a player.”
Julian, Ethan’s father, was a half-back who played in the United Kingdom for Wakefield Trinity, Leigh, Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings, and London Broncos.
He played half-back for the Warriors with Adrian Lam, the head coach of the Leopards, during his tenure at Wigan in 2002–03, which included the team’s victory over St Helens at Murrayfield in the Challenge Cup Final.
He had a prosperous career in Australia, playing State of Origin for Queensland and winning international awards with the Australian Super League squad in 1997.
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