Hull FC have completed the signing of Ethan O’Neill.
Ethan O’Neill in action for Hull FC.(Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Ethan O’Neill has signed a permanent deal at Hull FC with immediate effect. The Black and Whites aired their desire to make the Australian-born back rower a permanent signing earlier this week and have now completed a two-and-a-half-year deal to land the player.
That deal will see O’Neill sign with the club until the end of the 2028 season. He has already played five games for the Black and Whites on loan, scoring two tries, with Leeds Rhinos granting the player a release from his contract to join the club.
O’Neill, who played some of his junior rugby league in England and therefore doesn’t count on the quota, first appeared in Super League at Leigh Leopards last year. He joined Leeds ahead of the 2026 season and will now look to cement himself in the Hull team over the next two and a half years.
Still only 27-years-old, the club believe O’Neill has his best years ahead of him, with the player backed to kick on and make the back row spot his own. He has also covered at centre when needed, and has the ability to fluctuate between the two positions when needed.
Speaking on the deal, Hull FC Chief Executive, Richie Myler, said: “We are delighted to keep Ethan here on a permanent basis after a promising loan spell over the last couple of months.
“Ethan has been a really positive addition to the group – his work rate is incredibly high, and he has become a strong voice in our pack in only a short time here. I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to develop over the coming years in our environment.”
O’Neill will be joined next season by 2027 recruits Bailey Hodgson and Alrix Da Costa – with incoming head coach Steve McNamara continuing to lay the building blocks behind the scenes. He has acquired Scott Taylor as one of his assistant coach’s for next year with key backroom appointments also made in the medical and conditioning departments.