'Just rugby league': ex-Leeds Rhinos man Ethan O'Neill opens up on Hull FC move after sudden Headingley exit
Former Leeds Rhinos forward Ethan O’Neill has opened up on his rapid Headingley exit.
O’Neill joined Rhinos from Leigh Leopards in pre-season on a three-year deal, but made only four appearances before signing for Hull FC - where he had been on loan - on a contract until the end of 2028. Chris Hankinson, previously an outside-back, has made one of Leeds’ second-row spots his own this term and O’Neill stressed he switched clubs for the chance to play regular first team rugby.
Outlining why he didn’t get more games with Leeds, O’Neill told BBC Radio Humberside: “Maybe personal preference, but Chris Hankinson grabbed the opportunity with both hands and I’m happy for him. He’s a proper lovely bloke and a really good player.
“It’s football, these things happen. Not everything is expected; he took the opportunity with both hands and didn’t give me that jersey. That’s just rugby league.”
O’Neill stressed his initial loan move to Hull was with a view to forcing his way back in at Rhinos.“When I first came here, I came here as a Leeds player and I was just taking the opportunity with both hands - do my best for Hull, but obviously put my best foot forward so I was able to crack into the Leeds team,” he stated.
“The opportunity came about three weeks in. I was speaking briefly with Lasty [acting-coach Andy last] and Richie [Myler, Hull’s chief executive] and things happened pretty quickly.”
He added: “They made me feel wanted; not that I didn’t feel wanted at Leeds, but the opportunity was there for me to play long-term. They’ve got Steve [McNamara who will be coach from next season] coming in and that’s going to be awesome for me in my game. I’ve had long conversations with Steve, he’s pretty confident about what I can bring to this team and so am I.”