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Justin O'Neill | Photo: Robb Cox © NRL Photos

Coming into his third season as a Cowboy, Hughenden product Justin O’Neill had every reason to be confident after a strong 2016 where he made his State of Origin debut for the Maroons and helped the Cowboys to the preliminary final.

But he suffered a couple of setbacks in the first half of the year, namely some niggly, short-term injuries, plus being omitted from Games II and III of the 2017 State of Origin Series.

Still, the 26-year-old rebounded and played well in the back half of the season until injury struck again, this time a dislocated elbow suffered in Round 23 against the Panthers. Fearing his season was over, O’Neill rehabbed well and made a successful return in Week 2 of the finals.

2017 STATS:

Played: 20
Tries: 1
Average run metres: 93
Average tackles: 12
Line breaks: 9
Tackle breaks: 40
Off the field: He and wife Chantelle love a day out at the races.

 

Acknowledgement of Country

North Queensland Cowboys respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.