The Hull FC back rower on cementing his spot, kicking on, DCE, and an emotional farewell.
Hull FC back row forward Ethan O’Neill.(Image: SW PIX)
Ethan O’Neill has seen strides in his game at Hull FC this year but believes he has so much more to give next season.
The Black and Whites’ mid-season recruit totalled 15 appearances in 2026, scoring three tries. Arriving in July as a permanent signing from Leeds Rhinos, he made the left back-row spot his own with some solid displays and with two years remaining on his deal, he is now determined to kick on next year and reach the next level.
Gearing up for what’s to come under Steve McNamara, Daly Cherry-Evans, and co, 2027 will be a crucial one for the 27-year-old forward, who is targeting a big campaign to match his lofty ambitions, one of which is earning an England spot in the future.
Speaking to Hull Live, O’Neill said: “I feel like I’ve made my mark, but I’ve got so much more to prove. I feel like I’m getting more consistent week in week out, but there’s so much more to my game that I can show and improve.
“The day I stop improving is the day I retire. I’ve got so much more to offer and show everyone. I’ve learned a lot, especially with leadership, and that’s one of the things coming in that I wanted to bring, that leadership quality. That’s something I feel like I can improve on and add to the team.
“I’m really confident that having a full pre-season under my belt and going into next season all guns blazing and building combinations will be really good for me and obviously the club as a whole. I’m really excited to put my best foot forward for the team.”
O’Neill’s confidence also comes with what Hull are bringing in, with Cherry-Evans the headline signing and joined by the likes of Isaac Liu and Bailey Hodgson, who the forward played with at Leigh Leopards, not to mention Jordan Swann, Junior Pauga, Joshua Coric, Alrix Da Costa, et al.
“We’ve made several signings so far and I’m sure we’ll be adding more to that,” O’Neill said. “I feel like with new combinations it’s going to take a while for everyone to gel together but I’m sure by our first round, we’ll be all guns blazing and ready to go.
“It’s just exciting next year with all the new boys coming in. They will all add their value and their knowledge of the game along with all the new coaching staff. Things are looking bright for 2027.”
On Cherry-Evans in particular, who led current NRL club Sydney Roosters to a big finals win over Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, O’Neill continued: “I’ve watched him throughout his career growing up, and seeing what he’s been able to accomplish on the field, it’s going to be massive for our team and Hull as a whole.
“He’s going to bring so much to us and so much knowledge and leadership, especially. He’s going to be able to march us around the park and win the close games and if we’re in those parts of the game where we lack consistency, he’ll be able to help us improve that and be able to steer us around the park.”
Hull’s changes mean there will be player exits the other way, with the club bidding farewell to over a dozen players. One of those players is Tom Briscoe, who hung the boots up at Headingley earlier this month after an outstanding career.
“I’ve been in their position before and it’s sad, especially for guys like Tom Briscoe,” O’Neill added on Hull’s departures. “Seeing all those fans sing that song at his last home game, I was telling him when he scored I was getting goosebumps. I had goosebumps like five minutes after listening to that song and every time I listen to that song now, I just think of singing it.
“Just watching those videos and seeing what he’s done throughout his career, it’s inspirational. I look up to Brisc; he’s a really good person and a really good player and seeing him score there for his last home game was pretty emotional.
“He should be proud of himself for the career he’s had and what he’s been able to accomplish. For all the boys leaving, it’s sad, but I’m sure they’re proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish at the club.”