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.
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