Gareth O'Brien feared multiple concussions could end his career but now intends on starring in Leigh’s Super League revival.
The experienced half-back, 31, made his Leopards’ debut in Friday’s opening night 20-10 loss against former club Salford. It wasn’t the result the promoted club were after on their top-flight return but for O’Brien it’s just key he’s playing again. He missed a raft of games with Castleford last year after a number of head knocks.
Asked if at any point it looked like he wouldn’t be able to carry on playing, O’Brien admitted: “Yes. And whenever I’ve had one, I have gone to a specialist. He’s outlined the risks and things. I just have to go off how I feel now. If I feel good, I’ll play. If I’ve got any symptoms I won’t. That's what I have to go by.”
That takes a lot of honesty from the ex-Toronto star who famously kicked the monster winning drop-goal that saved Salford’s Super League status in the 2016 Million Pound Game at Hull KR. He added: “I’ve definitely said to myself if I’ve got a headache or any sort of symptom I won’t be playing the next week, as the chances of it happening again are far greater.
“But I do feel OK myself now and if I can put my hand up to play I will. It’s good to be back out there again. I enjoyed the game against Salford. I did suffer with a few things last season but I’m fit now and hopefully will play a lot of games this year.”
O’Brien’s formed a new-look half-back partnership with Papua New Guinea star Lachlan Lam at rebranded Leopards who had chartoppers Scouting for Girls whipping up the crowd last week. They head to Catalans on Saturday seeking a first win after pushing Salford close but ultimately falling short after the spectacular pre-match show at Leigh Sports Village. He recalled: “It was a big build-up being Leigh’s first game back in Super League.
“But we know we didn’t execute as well as we could have and we’ll look to do that in France. It was a tough game. We were left battered and bruised and I’m sure Salford were the same. We didn’t get the result but it was only round one and we’ll pick ourselves up. The effort was there.
"We’ve got loads of new faces so combinations won’t click straight away. As a spine we’ve just got to take control of the game a little bit better but that will come. Hopefully it comes quicker rather than later.”
Meanwhile, Salford’s ex-England winger Joe Burgess has signed a new deal until the end of 2025.
