Knightmare
Coach
- Messages
- 10,716
Since making his debut for Balmain in 1994, Mark O'Neil has stayed loyal to the Tigers, even during those lean years towards the end of Balmain's existence as a stand-alone club. He's not the flashiest player in the game, but he's been a workhorse for the club over the past 11 years. I remember in the last round last year against the Knights, I thought it was his last game. As happy as I was that Newcastle ended their season (and sent Robbie 'O off) with a win, I couldn't help feeling sorry for Mark, having never played finals football and with the Tigers having a chance at making the 8 before the loss.
So it's great to see him, in his final year of footy, playing in the semis at last (and scoring a try as well along the way) and whatever the result next Sunday I want to wish Mark good luck and I hope he stays free of injury throughout the game. In a day and age of other players going AWOL or walking out on clubs that are struggling, Mark has shown his loyalty to the Tigers over time and nobody in the team deserves their finals success more than him.
So it's great to see him, in his final year of footy, playing in the semis at last (and scoring a try as well along the way) and whatever the result next Sunday I want to wish Mark good luck and I hope he stays free of injury throughout the game. In a day and age of other players going AWOL or walking out on clubs that are struggling, Mark has shown his loyalty to the Tigers over time and nobody in the team deserves their finals success more than him.
