Outstanding young second rower Bishop Neal has made a breakthrough for the One New Zealand Warriors’ pathways programme with his selection in the Queensland squad for the under-19 State of Origin clash against New South Wales at North Sydney Oval on Thursday week (June 18).
The 18-year-old Christchurch-born Neal has progressed from the Warriors’ title-winning Harold Matthews Cup under-17 side last year to establish himself in the club’s New South Wales Cup lineup this season.
He first played rugby league in Brisbane when his family lived there for several years before returning to Christchurch where Neal came to prominence as a schoolboy star at St Thomas of Canterbury College.
“I’m grateful for all the coaches and teams that have played a part in my career so far but my love of rugby league definitely started in Queensland and I know those early years helped my develop my skills,” said Neal.
“It's an honour to be called into Maroons camp and I’m excited to learn from Darius Boyd and the coaching staff. Also looking forward to catching up with all my cousins I grew up with.
“My next goal is an NRL debut with the Warriors. I trust God’s timing and will keep working hard.”
Neal’s rugby league-playing days started with the Coomera Cutters before moving up to Easts Mt Gravatt in Brisbane where he played up to under-12s.
On the family’s move back to Christchurch in 2020, Neal completed secondary school at St Thomas of Canterbury College playing both rugby union and rugby league, helping the school to win the NZRL national schools title two years running. He also played rugby league for the Hornby Panthers.
He was signed by the One New Zealand Warriors as a 15-year-old in 2023.
After being named the player of the match in the Warriors’ Harold Matthews grand final win last year, Neal started this season with the SG Ball Cup under-19 team, moved up to the Jersey Flegg Cup under-21 and then quickly to the NSW Cup squad making his debut in March. In 10 appearances to far he has scored six tries while averaging almost 100 metres game.
