To the surprise of many, Warrington Wolves today announced the resigning of Matty Russell for the 2023 season on a one-year deal.
Many believed Warrington’s transfer business had concluded yesterday when Josh Drinkwater’s move to the club was announced as they filled the number seven shirt.
Little did they know that squad number 34 would be going the way of Russell today.
When speaking about signing Russell, coach Daryl Powell revealed that the move was partially down to the fact that Connor Wrench will be missing the first part of the season after he suffered a horrible ACL injury at the end of the 2022 campaign: “We’ve been looking around since the end of last season to give us more strength and depth in our outside backs, particularly with Connor Wrench being injured for the first part of the season.”
Wrench is recovering alongside Joe Philbin who suffered the same injury.
Powell further explained the move citing Russell’s performances in 2022 as key. Russell was one of the leaders in the league for tackle busts: “An opportunity to sign Matty came up and, having played against him last season, I believe he will offer us some great strength in depth on our wings. As a powerful dynamic runner he can really create havoc in defences on kick returns. I’ve sat down with him and talked in detail about what we need from our players over this coming season. He is highly motivated and I believe he will be a quality acquisition for the club.”