ALL POWER TO YOUR ELBOW, JACQUES
Ellis backs O’Neill for a big future despite getting a nasty dig in the mush
JACQUES O’NEILL has been tipped to go far – by the man he elbowed in the face.
Hull legend Gareth Ellis, 39, was furious when O’Neill whacked him in Sunday’s Challenge Cup sixth-round clash.
The cheeky dig from the Castleford player, as Ellis lay on the ground, sparked a scuffle and some heated words. Moments later Ellis unleashed a huge payback hit on the 21-year-old.
But Ellis – who made his Super League debut four months after O’Neill was born – admits that he respects the young forward.
He said: “I did not admire him when he elbowed me in the face but I do admire the way he goes about playing.
“Lots of players rely on talent, but to play the game tough is a mindset and that is what got me to where I am and has got him this far.
“Jacques is just starting out in his career, and you have to go with whatever is your strength when you are in a battle with someone. I don’t have any special dispensation because I am 39.
“We are both trying to achieve the same thing and I respect that he treated me as an enemy on the field. Rugby league is a violent game and you have to play on the edge to succeed, and sometimes you tip over and face the consequences, whether her that’s from your opponent or r the judiciary.”
Both players were let off with a word from the referee, although O’Neill was in no doubt that Ellis was angry, thanks to o the big hit shortly tly afterwards.
O’Neill, who made ade his debut last year, tweeted, ‘ Respect @gazellis12 got me back good’. Hull centre Josh Griffin (inset) replied: “Silly mistake. Never run straight at Gaz, especially after you just p***** him off.”
O’Neill can count himself lucky. Warrington’s Tom Lineham is facing a possible eight-game ban if found guilty of grabbing
Cast Castleford’s Alex Foster in i the groin area. And Hull KR’s Jordan Abdull could cop a five-match ban for similar “contrary conduct” on St Helens’ James Bentley.
Both players will appear before a disciplinary hearing today.
Ellis had the final word, though, helping Hull to a 29-16 win that set up a quarter-final clash with Wigan on Saturday.