Wigan Warriors’ Hooker Brad O’Neill is looking forward to the start of the new Betfred Rugby League season as they take on Castleford Tigers on Sunday, 15th February.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) announced a change to the format ahead of the 2026/27 season, expanding the Super League from 12 teams to 14.
When asked about which teams O’Neill is eager to play against, he said: “Bradford (Bulls) are an iconic club.
“They haven’t been in the Super League for a while- I’ve never played against them in the Super League anyway- I’m excited to play them.
“And York as well, I feel like York are a new club who have been performing pretty well and building over the last couple of years, so I’m excited.”
Brad O’Neill was a part of the Warriors team to hold all four trophies at the same time after adding the Betfred World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup to his honours in 2024.
The 23-year-old emphasised the importance of culture at Wigan Warriors, having come through the academy system.
O’Neill said: “Ever since I’ve been at the club, it’s always been about culture first and looking after the supporters, making them feel in a place where they belong.
“It’s always been a family club, and it’s something that we’re very proud of.”
Wigan Warriors aim to go one better this season after suffering defeat to Hull KR in the 2025 Super League Grand Final.
The side have recently returned from a gruelling pre-season camp in Tenerife in preparation for the new campaign.
O’Neill said: “It was a good time, it was a tough training camp but it was good to build on our relationships- obviously we spent a lot of time together.
“We worked on our partnerships on the field, I think we’ve just about recovered now.”
“We used the time wisely and hopefully it will help us in the season.”
Academy trio George Marsden, Jovi Bentley-Elliott and Charlie Jeffrey-Stott joined the first team for the camp.
O’Neill said: “It shows them an insight into what full-time training is like. They committed really well and trained hard to be fair.
“My advice to them would be to just carry on the way they are. I think they’ll be absolutely fine.”
Wigan Warriors travel to the OneBore Stadium (The Jungle), for their first fixture of the season on Sunday 15th February.
(Featured image used under agreed Alamy Licence)
