Justin O'Neill

Background

Born in Warwick, Queensland, O'Neill is of Ni-Vanuatu descent through his mother. He attended The Cathedral School in Townsville, Queensland and played his junior football for the Hughenden Hawks and Townsville Brothers, before being signed by the Melbourne Storm. As a child, O'Neill held the Australian under-15 long jump record with a mark of 7.60m. In November 2008, O'Neill played for the Australian Institute of Sport rugby league team that toured France and the United Kingdom. In 2009, he was selected for the Queensland under-18 team.

Melbourne Storm

In September 2007, O'Neill re-signed with the Storm on a 2-year contract. He was a member of the Storm's S. G. Ball Cup team in early 2009, before moving into their NYC team until 2010. On 4 October 2009, O'Neill scored a try in the Storm's 2009 NYC Grand Final win over the Wests Tigers.

O'Neill made his NRL debut for the Storm on 14 June 2010 against the Sydney Roosters. He scored a hat-trick of tries against the North Queensland Cowboys in round 15. On 7 May 2012, O'Neill re-signed with the Storm on a 2-year contract. He scored a try in the Storm's 2012 NRL Grand Final win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on 30 September. On 22 February 2013, he played in the Storm's 2013 World Club Challenge win over the Leeds Rhinos. O'Neill re-signed with the Storm on a 3-year contract on 14 June 2013.

On 20 December 2014, O'Neill signed with the North Queensland Cowboys on a 2-year after being released by the Storm.

North Queensland Cowboys

O'Neill made his club debut for the Cowboys in round 1 of the 2015 NRL season against the Sydney Roosters, scoring a try. On 4 October 2015, O'Neill was a member of the Cowboys' Grand Final winning side. He scored a try in his side's 17-16 victory over the Brisbane Broncos. On 21 February 2016, he was a member of the Cowboys' 2016 World Club Challenge winning side against the Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium. On 1 July 2016, O'Neill re-signed with the Cowboys for a further 2 years, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2018 season.

Representative career

In October 2010, O'Neill was selected for the Junior Kangaroos in their two-match series against the Junior Kiwis. He scored a try in both matches.

In September 2012, O'Neill was named in Vanuatu's train-on squad for their match against Greece on 20 October 2012. O'Neill did not play in the match, though some sources indicate that he did. He was a trainer for Vanuatu in their match against the Solomon Islands on October 2013.

In February 2013, O'Neill played for the NRL All Stars in the 2013 All Stars match.

O'Neill made his debut for Queensland in the 2016 State of Origin, playing at centre in all 3 of their matches. He had previously been a member of Queensland's Emerging Origin after being first selected in 2012, and was named as a reserve for Queensland in 2013.

On 4 October 2016, O'Neill was selected in Australia's Four Nations squad. He made his debut in Australia's Round 2 against Scotland where his nation was successful in a 40-point victory. O'Neill retained his spot at Centre in the Round 3 victory against New Zealand where he ran for a game high 203 metres. He would go on to have a try disallowed during the 14-8 win for Australia. He was named 19th man for the final round of the tournament against England.

Individual

North Queensland Cowboys Most Improved: 2015

Team

2012 NRL Grand Final: Melbourne Storm – Winners
2013 World Club Challenge: Melbourne Storm – Winners
2015 NRL Grand Final: North Queensland Cowboys – Winners
2016 World Club Challenge: North Queensland Cowboys – Winners

NRL

Personal life

O'Neill's younger brother, Samsen, played for the Cowboys' NYC side and currently plays for the Townsville Blackhawks. His older brother, Paul, has represented Vanuatu. O'Neill married model and TV personality Chantelle Raleigh in Victoria on 9 January 2016.