Former Castleford Tigers man Jacques O’Neill gives update on mental health after Love Island exit

A few months ago, Jacques O’Neill was a young nine with plenty of potential and versatility at Castleford.

Now he’s one of the most spoken about people in the UK after his time on Love Island.

For a period during his Love Island adventure, he was one of the favourites to win the competition alongside partner Paige.

However, things got rocky for the pair when they were spilt up into two different villas as all couples were at that point in the show.

Though they seemed to sort things out after their reunion despite the fact Jacques had shown interest in other girls whilst Paige was away, the arrival of another ‘bombshell’ in new boy Adam only served to worsen things.

At this point, Jacques would admit he was no longer himself inside the villa and felt it important for his mental health to leave.

Since then Jacques has been supported by the rugby league community. He went to see his former Castleford teammates, the Tigers’ welfare officer offered him support and he even watched the Tigers defeat to Hull FC 46-18 last night.

After that, Jacques has taken to social media to give an update on where he is mentally.

He said: “I just want you all to know that I’m in such a better place mentally. A huge reason for that is because of all the love and support I have received! I’d be in a much darker place if it wasn’t for all of your kind words, so thank you again I appreciate it so much.”

I just want you all to know that I’m in such a better place mentally. A huge reason for that is because of all the love and support I have received! I’d be in a much darker place if it wasn’t for all of your kind words, so thank you again I appreciate it so much ❤️ pic.twitter.com/waZvgb9kTw

— Jacques O’Neill (@Jacques9oneill) July 23, 2022

It’s still uncertain whether Jacques will return to rugby league or Castleford who have first refusal on him should he wish to return to the sport.