Ethan O’Neill has been in dialogue with Hull’s incoming head coach.
Hull FC forward Ethan O’Neill.
Ethan O’Neill is ready to take Steve McNamara’s messaging on board for Hull FC this season.
The new Black and Whites signing – acquired on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Leeds Rhinos – has been in contact with the club’s incoming head coach, with his instructions clear for the remaining games of the year.
A non-quota addition due to playing his junior rugby league in Widnes while Dad Julian O’Neill was a Super League player, O’Neill has his goals in sight and told Hull Live: “Steve just wants me to be confident in myself and be able to show that I can play.
“He wants me to take those moments that come to me during the game and not be scared but back myself in those moments and not let them just go by.
“He backs me as a player and that gives me confidence in myself to be able to go out there and do that on the field. That’ll come obviously from playing more with the boys, but also from playing consistent football in the same positions.”
Only 27 years old, O’Neill is coming into his prime years as a professional, and he’s being backed to show that through his leadership.
“That’s one thing Brad (Arthur) talked to me about being at Leeds,” O’Neill said. “He wanted me to come to Hull with the best intention to help make them a better team and his word of advice was I need to find more of a voice and become more of a leader.
“I can keep to myself a little bit and get in my shell sometimes but from day one, the boys made me feel welcome and I was able to take a foot out of my comfort zone.”
Finding his feet under current interim coach Andy Last, O’Neill has several games for Hull already under his belt and is ready to kick on.
“He’s a real passionate coach,” the back rower said on Last. “He comes in every day with a smile; no matter how the points have turned out on the weekend, he always comes in energised and ready to coach the boys.
“I feel like all the boys rally around him. He’s a really good fella. And in my short time being here so far, I feel like I can speak to him about a lot of things, especially with my football. Again, he’s a real good fella and he’s really passionate about Hull FC.”
O’Neill also arrives at Hull with the ability to double up at centre or loose forward, a valuable asset in the modern-day game – and one he’s already shown while in the black and white.
“Obviously, my idea coming to this club is to play back row, but I’ll play wherever Lasty needs me to play and do what’s good for the team,” he added. “I come into games trying to put my best foot forward and help us get the victory and the two points at the end of the day.
“Being able to show my versatility and do it at a high level in Super League and be able to prove to people my ability to do that just adds that extra string to my bow.
“It’s good to have different roles that you’re able to play on both the left and right sides and in multiple different positions. I feel like that’s only good for the team.”