Premiership-winning Melbourne Storm outside back Justin O’Neill has signed a two-year contract with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, boosting the club’s backline strength ahead of the 2015 NRL season.
Originally a junior with Brothers in Townsville, the 23-year-old will join his new teammates for the start of the second stage of pre-season training after the Christmas-New Year break.
O’Neill made his debut for the Storm midway through the 2010 season and played 67 NRL matches for the club, scoring 34 tries.
He has played in five finals games, including his career highlight so far, the 2012 grand final which saw the Storm beat Canterbury 14-4 with O’Neill scoring one of his team’s three tries.
At the start of the following season, he represented the NRL All Stars squad against the Indigenous All Stars.
O’Neill also played for the Junior Kangaroos in 2010 alongside current Cowboys Matthew Wright and Cameron King.
“It’s really pleasing for us to be able to bring Justin back to North Queensland to continue his NRL career,” Cowboys general manager – football 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.”
