Former Super League winger, Matty Russell, is raring to go in the Championship next year, and believes that some of his best rugby is still to come, as he hopes to help Oldham RLFC into the top flight.
The Roughyeds have signed Russell for 2026, and he is yet another player with prior experience at the highest level to be in the squad.
Departing from Wakefield Trinity at the end of the season, he is a 152-time Super League player, and an esteemed international with Scotland, whom he has represented 13 times, including at three World Cups.
Coming through the Wigan academy, it would be Warrington where he made his name, before a move to Toronto Wolfpack came in 2018. A return to Warrington came in 2023, before he switched to Trinity for the season just gone.
Working under Mike Ford, who is the club’s Director of Rugby and head coach, Russell gave his first interview to the club since arriving, and it’s safe to say he is excited for the year ahead.
“It’s been really impressive. I’ve met all the lads, I know there’s a lot of Super League experience in here already. There’s a few familiar faces, really good facilities and I’m settling in nicely,” he told club media.
His time at Wakefield was disappointing for him, with injury limiting him to only seven games across the year. However, when he did feature, he performed well, and scoring six tries, including a brace over Huddersfield Giants.
Commenting on his injury woes, he said: “I was limited last year. I think it’s on social media, what I went through with my knee. I had an operation in October… so I’ve gone through that, and I’ve got plenty more left to give at this level, and hopefully step up to Super League.”
Providing an fitness update, Russell hopes he can be back for the start of the campaign, however Oldham’s opening round opponent is yet to be confirmed, with Salford Red Devils’ place in the competition at risk, should a phoenix club not be created in time.
He said: “I should be pretty close to the start of the year, that’s for sure. It’s a bit of a rare injury that some people get in your tendons, so that’s what I’ve been managing the last two years.
“I’m pretty sure that I’ll come back 100% and like I said, I’ve got a lot more to give.”
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As mentioned, Russell is the latest high-profile name to make the move to the club, and alongside London Broncos, are the two clubs with the most potential to be in Super League next. Whilst their strong squad of players was one factor, a conversation with Ford was what ultimately caused him to sign on the dotted line.
“I met with Mike and it was just everything. His vision for the club, and I’ve been keeping an eye on the players you’ve been signing, Ryan Brierley, Josh Drinkwater, I could go through the team. It’s full of Super League experience, NRL experience.
“When Mike told me the plans for the next few years, it was something that I really wanted to stick my teeth into.”
Asked what he thinks he can add to the team, he said: “I just want to keep consistent with my performances and go from there. I’ve still got a lot to give, a lot of energy on the field, aggression. Hopefully I can give a lot from back field, anyone who’s watched me and followed my career will know what that’s about.
“I think I’ve got some of my best years ahead of me, so I’m confident to help the team go forward, but it’s a team sport, and it’s all about doing those little things that the whole team can put together to win.”
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