RHINOSLeeds Rhinos sign Warrington Wolves winger Matty Russell in surprising loan deal

[josie andrews]

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the loan signing of Warrington Wolves winger Matty Russell as the Headingley club tries to remedy their outside-backs injury crisis.

It marks the second time that Matty Russell has left the Halliwell Jones Stadium on loan this season with the Scotland international having previously made the switch to join Hull FC earlier in the season.

Leeds Rhinos have had plenty of injury issues this season but it’s their outside backs that have been hit hardest with overseas winger David Fusitu’a set to be on the sidelines for a long time, the former New Zealand Warriors star making just one appearance this season before heading back to the injury list.

Young starlet Riley Lumb shone on debut when he scored two tries against Hull FC but in the opening minutes of his second appearance, the winger suffered a hamstring injury and he now also sits on the sidelines.

Ash Handley has been in and out of the wars with a rib injury the latest to scupper him, however, he does appear to be fit at present. Meanwhile, centres Harry Newman and Paul Momirovski have also both missed games and remain out, hence why the signing of Russell is so important for Leeds Rhinos.

The club confirmed the short-term deal via their social media.

Leeds Rhinos loan in Super League winger Matty Russell

Their statement read: “Leeds Rhinos have signed Scottish international winger Matty Russell on loan from Warrington Wolves.

“The 30-year-old will move to AMT Headingley initially until the 11th July prior to Leeds v Warrington game. Russell has scored 151 tries in 212 career games and is drafted into the Rhinos with David Fusitu’a and Riley Lumb both sidelined by injury for Rohan Smith’s side. ”


Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith said, “I would like to welcome Matty to the Rhinos. He has a good work rate and always finds yardage when carrying the ball back for his team. It is a good opportunity for us to add an experienced player to our group. Going into the season, we always knew that the depth within our squad came from our young players and it is important that we give them the chance to build their experience. But with Riley Lumb sidelined for a number of weeks, bringing Matty in on loan means we can add experience whilst continuing to carefully develop our next generation of players.”

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added, “I would like to thank Warrington for allowing Matty to join us on loan. He will come immediately into our squad and I am looking forward to seeing him perform for us given his experience and try scoring record.”

Matty Russell, who will wear squad number 35, added, “I am really pleased to be coming to the Rhinos and having the opportunity to get some game time. I know Leeds have had some injuries to their wingers so my agent got in touch and suggested the move would be good for everyone and I am pleased that the move has come about. I am grateful to Warrington for giving me the chance to join the Rhinos on loan

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/leeds-rh ... eal-91802/