O'Neill Named Wests Tigers
Captain

Experienced second-rower Mark O'Neill has been named Wests Tigers Captain for Season 2005.

O'Neill, who made his first grade debut for Balmain Tigers in 1994, has played 105 games for the Wests Tigers. He and prop John Skandalis remain the sole survivors from the first Wests Tigers side in 2000.

The respected forward takes over the captaincy role from the retired Darren Senter. O'Neill has played 207 first grade games during his career with Balmain Tigers and Wests Tigers.

''To be named captain means a lot to me, I feel extremely honoured to be given the job,'' O'Neill said.

"I just want to get out on the field now and lead by example. All the boys are raring to go and we want to make sure we have a better season than last year".

"Darren has already told me I have big shoes to fill and that I can only do my best.''

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said O'Neill was appointed captain for a number of reasons.

"Mark has a terrific attitude to life and to training. When he turns up to training, he trains hard and is respected by the players,'' Sheens said.

"His attitude rubs off on the younger players in the team and he leads by example".

"There are a number of experienced players in the team including Brett Hodgson, Scott Prince, Ben Galea and John Skandalis who will be there to support Mark and express their views, but at the end of the day, the final decision on the field rests with Mark".

"Mark has the respect of players and officials and he will handle himself well as captain.''

GENERAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Mark O'Neill

Date of Birth: 19.6.1975

Star Sign: Gemini

Where were you born? Paddington, NSW

Height: 1.86 metres

Weight (kg): 100 kg

Primary School: St Michaels, Meadowbank

High School: Eastwood Marist

FOOTBALL RELATED

Position: 2nd row

Year you made your 1st grade debut: 1994

What team were you with and who did you play: Balmain V St George

Best memory from debut: The Fulltime siren, we lost 44-0

Previous Clubs: Balmain

Junior Club: Nth Ryde, St Pats Dundas