O’Neill back to his best
COWBOYS centre Justin O’Neill has credited a “sink or swim” mentality during his injury comeback in last year’s finals for regaining his mojo, admitting his self- belief took a hit after his Origin dumping.
O’Neill was one of the Cowboys’ best in Friday’s 24- 20 loss in Brisbane, continuing a strong start to the year after scoring a try in the opening round win over Cronulla.
The 26- year- old, off contract at the end of the year, was one of a number of players dropped by Queensland after they were belted in Origin I last year.
A dislocated elbow in Round 23 set him back further, before he returned in time to help guide the Cowboys to the grand final.
With backline stars Michael Morgan ( stomach), Lachlan Coote ( hamstring) and Kane Linnett ( pectoral) out injured, O’Neill has taken on more responsibility.
Asked if his confidence dipped last year, O’Neill said: “I’d probably be lying if I said it didn’t.
“It was tough not seeing myself in the Origin side and then to get that injury when I wanted to fight back and play some good footy, it was pretty disappointing.
“If anything, the way I finished last year was something that helped me leading into this year. It was an individual decision that I wanted to be part of the finals series, and I had to be on my game.
“It ( turnaround) was more when I was cleared to play and the question was thrown at me ‘ are you ready, it’s a finals game’.” O’Neill said he had more faith in his body to consistently produce his best.
“The body’s feeling good, which is a massive improvement. The back end of last year I finished pretty battered up, as most boys did in our squad.”
It’s a similar story for Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston, who is showing no signs of tentativeness in his return from shoulder surgery.
Thurston took the line on relentlessly against Brisbane and set up all three of the Cowboys’ tries.
Halves partner Michael Morgan is a chance to return in Thursday’s grand final rematch in Melbourne, which would take some creative pressure off Thurston.
“We probably do want Johnno to get his hands on the ball in those situations when we need that extra something,” O’Neill said.
“He’s a freak, as much as we did come close we probably could have made it a better contest earlier in the game.
“He’s been out of the game for a while and he’s definitely getting his confidence back and his shoulder seems pretty good.”