He’s been likened to Sonny Bill Williams and after showcasing his ability to break the line and off-load, commentators might not be too far off the mark describing Queensland’s Bishop Neal.
In this year's State of Origin Under 19s match, the No.11 dragged competitors with him or left them in his wake, helping the Maroons to a 28-14 win at North Sydney Oval last Thursday.
Currently, Neal averages 100 metres a game and has six tries in 10 games for the Warriors in NSW Cup.
He handled in two of the Maroons five tries, adding to his growing reputation.
“I’ve got a big support crew that keeps me humble – all of my boys and my family tell me to work hard and that I can get better,” Neal said when asked his reaction to his increasing profile.
Currently living in Christchurch, Neal has had several rugby union suitors knocking on his door.
“I fell in love with league when I was younger. I’m not completely closing the door on rugby union, but league is my focus for now," Neal said.
His larger frame suits the backrow, but Neal is not completely sold on that either.
“I’m happy to play anywhere at the moment and second row is it at the moment. I might try and trim down a little and have a go at centre,” he said.
In another throwback to Williams, ‘SBW’ played in the centres and back row when he debuted for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2004 on his way to a NRL premiership.
The NRL is definitely on Neal’s mind - but he’s a patient 18 year-old.
“I have signed with the Warriors until 2028 and I’m trying my best to get an NRL debut," Neal said.
“I’ve had a few little chats with Webby (Warriors NRL coach Andrew Webster) and I know I’ve got a lot to work on and a long way to go.
“There are also heaps of gun backrowers at the club. But I’ll keep working hard.
“I feel like I connect well with all the first grade boys. So I’ll take in everything I can.”
That attribute immediately won over Queensland Under 19s coach Darius Boyd.
“He’s a really humble kid, really respectful and super excited to get to play in this jersey,” Boyd said.
“He was a keen listener, keen learner all through the week, and he connected really well with the group.”
And then there’s his football.
“He’s very talented, naturally gifted,” Boyd said. “Some people have it or don’t have it but he’s got it in spades.”
Finally, how does a kid born in Christchurch play for Queensland?
His family moved to the northern Gold Coast when he was five and he played Under 8s and Under 9s for the Coomera Cutters.
“I have fond memories of the Cutters … really enjoyed my time there.”
His family returned to live in Christchurch and Neal finished his high school years there.
He was noticed by Warriors pathways officers and was part of the club’s Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) side which won the NSWRL premiership in 2025 – Neal scored the first two tries in the 30-16 win over the Knights.
