 O'Connor started playing for Manly from 1987 and starred in their 18-8 1987 NSWRL season's Grand Final win over the Canberra Raiders O'Connor scored 14 of Manly's 18 points with a try in the second half (and a perfect 5/5 goal kicking.Following the 1987 grand final victory he travelled with the champion Manly side to England for the 1987 World Club Challenge against the 1986–87 RFL champions, Wigan at their home ground, Central Park.In front of 36,895, Wigan won an ultimately try-less game 8–2, with Manly's only points coming from a penalty goal from O'Connor.