Warrington Wolves have stunned a lot of people this morning with the announcement that former player Matty Russell will return to the club.
In his first spell at the Halliwell Jones, Russell played in both the Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final as the club enjoyed success.
He is formerly of Wigan Warriors and had a loan spell with Hull FC in 2012 prior to joining the Wolves after time in the NRL with Gold Coast Titans.
As the winger/fullback returns, he has signed an initial 12-month contract with an option for a further year.
The Scotland international represented the Wire between 2014-18, scoring 31 tries in his 97 appearances. He was part of the side that lifted the League Leaders’ Shield in 2016 as well as scoring a try in the Challenge Cup Final that season.
The 29-year-old has played for Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Leopards and Toulouse Olympique since and will now once again don the primrose and blue jersey in 2023. Russell joined up with his new teammates today (Thursday) as preparations are in full swing ahead of the new campaign.
The winger will wear the number 34 shirt this season.
His move comes after French reports suggested he was only interested in a move to Super League and not the Championship.
On the move back to Warrington, Matty Russell said: “To get another chance at this great club means everything.
“It only feels like yesterday I was here! It’s great to be back and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Once I heard Warrington were interested and I spoke to Daryl [Powell] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] it was a no brainer for me to re-sign.
“I feel I’m coming back a much better player and I want to bring my value to the team. “Physically I’ve developed a lot from when I first arrived. Away from the field also I’m coming back more professional and want to be a role model which will hopefully reap the rewards on the field also.
“It’ll be great to see the fans again and connect with them. There’ll be some familiar faces I’m sure.
“If we can find top form, which I’m very confident this team is capable of, there’s no doubt we can push for finals this year.”
Warrington Wolves Head Coach Daryl Powell added: “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.
“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.”
