A Super League winger whose former clubs include Warrington, Wakefield and Hull has signed with one of the Championship favourites ahead of 2026.
Scotland international can list Wire, Trinity and FC as just three of his former Super League clubs with the 32-year-old having played as somewhat of a journeyman during his career.
His time at Warrington Wolves is where he will be remembered best, making over 100 appearances across two stints though he’s also featured in the top flight for Wigan Warriors, Hull FC, Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Centurions, Toulouse Olympique, Leeds Rhinos, and most recently Wakefield Trinity.
After his deal not being renewed at Wakefield, Russell has now signed with one of the favourites to lift silverware in the newly-formed Championship, Oldham RLFC.
Russell becomes the latest former Super League man to sign at the Roughyeds with ex-Salford Red Devils captain Ryan Brierley among the club’s most significant signings in recent months.
Oldham sign Super League journeyman Matty Russell
Russell will help likely form a backline that is anchored by Brierley, with former St Helens man Ben Davies, ex-Leigh outside back Tom Nisbet, and former Hull KR man Kieran Dixon all options to play in the outside backs.
A club statement from Oldham confirmed the signing of Russell, stating: “Oldham are delighted to announce the signing of former Super League winger Matty Russell on a one-year deal, ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship.”
Despite playing just seven times in 2025 with Wakefield, Russell did score six times and he’ll now look to put together another impressive season after last year’s was cut short by a knee injury.
On that, and signing with Oldham, he said: “Oldham is a perfect fit, I haven’t been able to show my full potential with my knee problem, but it has all been fixed now.
“My body feels the best it has ever been in my career and I feel my best years are still ahead of me.
“In the games I played last year, even when I was in and out of the team, it was probably the best I have played for a good few years.
“Fans are going to get the best version of myself, and I have already shown glimpses of what I am capable of.
“Being fully fit, fans can expect some exciting rugby and a lot of carnage carrying the ball.”
Russell also spoke on the club’s ambitions, explaining that he’d knocked back other offers to sign with the Super League hopefuls.
He explained: “After hearing the ambitions of the club and the drive from Mike (Ford), it was something I wanted to be involved with.
“I had a few other offers but Oldham stood out the most – I feel I will be able to play my best rugby here and help the team thrive to where they want to be.”
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Matty Russell on a one-year deal.
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— Oldham RLFC (@Roughyeds) December 3, 2025
