Oliver Russell is back at Huddersfield Giants for the third time in his career, after penning a deal to return to the club.
Making his debut at the club in 2018, the half-back made just over 100 appearances between then and 2024 and became a key part of the Giants attack.
Signing a four-year deal at Wakefield Trinity ahead of their return to Super League, injuries limited him to just five appearances under Daryl Powell, and in order to find game time returned to Huddersfield for the final two months of the season. He also had a short spell at Salford Red Devils.
Now, he is back in Claret and Gold for a third time, and after completing his first day back this week is raring to go.
One of five recruits brought in by Huddersfield this off-season, Russell has given his first words since his arrival, and it’s fair to say he couldn’t be happier to be back at the Accu Stadium.
“I’m over the moon to get it all sorted,” he said. “It took a little bit of time [to get the deal done], but honestly I’m over the moon to be back getting coached under Robbo and all the coaching staff. Obviously Leroy [Cudjoe]’s joined that now and just to get back round the lads.
“Some of my best mates are here and I’ve only been in one day, but I feel like the club’s changed a little bit around the training and stuff and it’s a lot more professional in how everything’s set out and I’ve really enjoyed my first day so far.”
Leroy Cudjoe hung up his boots following a brilliant 18-year career. As Russell mentioned, he will now form part of Luke Robinson’s coaching staff for next year, with his focus on the players transitioning from the academy to the first team.
The halfback, who featured in many games alongside the club legend, spoke on his impact on him and how different it will be now that he is a coach and not a player.
“It’s a little bit strange,” he said. “Whilst he was playing, he was always coaching the lads anyway and he’s always the first person I would have gone to for advice or tips or anything like that.
“It kind of doesn’t change, he just won’t be taking the field with us, unfortunately.”
Huddersfield Giants recruit sets out 2026 goals as competition for places discussed
The 27-year-old re-joins a squad that already has a number of established halves in the squad. Tui Lolohea and Adam Clune were starting six and seven last year, with George Flanagan Jr and Kieran Rush also there as depth options.
Competition for places will be a key part of Russell’s 2026 season, but it is something that he is looking forward to and one that will only help the team grow.
“There’s been competition wherever I’ve gone, so it’s just about keeping my body right, keeping fit and training well,” said Russell.
“The competition will be really good. We’ll learn off each other, and we’ll compete against each other, so as long as I can keep my body fit and be ready.
“I think Cluney and Tui will be the ones that get the first nod, but it’s performance-based and I trust and know Robbo. If they’re not performing or if anything happens, me and Kezza are here to take the ship a little bit.
Huddersfield Giants had a poor 2025 season, largely due to injuries which was one of the reasons Russell made a return. The club hope to have a much improved campaign next time around, with the half-back pinpointing one aspect that they need to rectify if they are to do just that.
He said: “A better year than last year for the club, and probably a better start [is needed].
“The lads have been in for about two or three weeks now and they’re flying, so hopefully take in a better start.
“They didn’t really finish that badly, at the back end of the season, but obviously a better start will help us kick on and try and get in that top eight or six, whatever it is.”
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