The North Queensland centre says it will be challenging enough just earning a starting spot this NRL season after a "bumpy" 2018.

O'Neill was relegated to Queensland Cup duty mid-season by Cowboys coach Paul Green after a poor run that reflected the club's frustrating year.

He forced his way back for the last six games but still only managed two tries in 21 appearances.

The 27-year-old's strong finish helped convince him to stay at the club, taking up a one year option for 2019 despite the off-season arrival of ex-St George Illawarra flyer Nene Macdonald.

But O'Neill isn't getting ahead of himself, admitting he's unsure if he can again reach the giddy representative heights of 2016 when he played three State of Origins for Queensland and two Tests for Australia.

O'Neill played the last of his four Origins in 2017.

Asked if he could rediscover his representative mojo, O'Neill said: "Honestly, I am not too sure.

"Especially after last year being up and down and being back in the Queensland Cup.

"I think my focus is playing regular first grade, just playing good football in the first grade squad."

That will be easier said than done with Ben Hampton, Enari Tuala and Javid Bowen also vying for a centre start.

But O'Neill said his Queensland Cup demotion had only made him more hungry to help the Cowboys bounce back from a disappointing 13th in 2018.

"I am definitely pushing for the centre spot again. Healthy competition is always good," he said.

"It was a bumpy year, up and down last year.

"But being back at that (Queensland Cup) level showed me ...there was still hunger there to be playing first grade.

"If (the Cowboys) had a win I wanted to be a part of that and when they had a loss I wanted to be in the team to help make a difference."

Australian Associated Press