It is hard for to top last year’s amazing grand final for any of the North Queensland Cowboys players but the next fortnight must just do it for their outside back Justin O’Neill.

O’Neill and his partner are expecting their first child with the due date around the same time as a potential back-to-back title reign for the boys from Townsville.

“I haven’t really thought about it as something tough or something that’s difficult, I’m just taking it as it comes and everything has been so exciting,” he said.

“I’m just pumped about it, I can’t wait to be a dad so I’m just trying to take it in my stride and take everything as it comes.

“The due date is around the same time as the grand final but anything can happen and I’m just really excited at what is ahead.”

*Steele Sports coverage of Intrust Super Premiership Grand Final day begins from midday with coverage of the Sydney Shield, Ron Massey Cup and Intrust Super Premiership deciders.