Skip to playerSkip to main content
  • 2 days ago
Leeds Rhinos have bolstered their squad with the signing of Australian second-rower Julian O’Neill on a three-year deal, following the release of James Bentley in October.

The 26 year old impressed in his first season in England with Leigh Leopards, scoring seven tries in 22 appearances after joining from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears.

Category

🥇
Sports
Transcript
00:00Leeds Rhinos have bolstered their squad with the signing of Australian second rower Julian O'Neill on a three-year deal
00:08following the release of James Bentley in October.
00:11The 26-year-old impressed in his first season in England with Lee Leppard scoring seven tries in 22 games
00:18after joining from Queensland Cup side Burley Bears.
00:22His move to Leeds was seen as a surprise given his successful debut campaign,
00:26but the Rhinos were able to secure a player familiar with Super League conditions and the English game.
00:32Though he has not played in the NRL, O'Neill spent time training with South Sydney Rabbitons and Brisbane Broncos
00:39and featured in the Queensland Cups for Tweed Seagulls and Central Capras,
00:44as well as the Rabbitohs' second string in New South Wales.
00:48He is the son of former Lee Wigan Warriors, London Broncos, Witness Vikings and Wakefield Trinity half-back Julian O'Neill.
00:56Born in Sydney, O'Neill played his junior rugby in England and does not count towards Leeds' overseas quota.
01:03O'Neill has already experienced success against his former club, featuring in both of Rhinos' wins over Lee in 2025
01:10and will help them face again in the opening round of the Betfred Super League in mid-February.
01:15Having missed Lee's final four regular season games through injury,
01:20he arrives at Headingley motivated to make an immediate impact and prove himself against familiar opposition.
01:27Since joining the club, O'Neill has integrated quickly into pre-season,
01:30taking part in sessions designed to develop fitness, cohesion and tactical understanding.
01:35He's set to join the Rhinos' pre-season training camp in Tenerife later this month
01:41and could make his first appearance in the annual Weatherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day.
01:49With a burn of experience in English rugby, exposure to professional systems in Australia
01:54and a track record of tri-scoring from the back row, O'Neill provides Leeds with both depth and versatility.
02:02His arrival strengthened a club aiming to challenge at the top of the table
02:05while his familiarity with Super League opponents and his competitive drive
02:09promised to make him an influential figure in the Rhinos' campaign.
02:13The Rhinos' campaign is a part of the Rhinos' campaign.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment

Recommended