Versatile Scotland International Matty Russell Joins Leeds Rhinos on Loan
In a surprising turn of events, Matty Russell, a versatile Scotland international, has secured a two-month loan move from Warrington Wolves to Leeds Rhinos, marking his third Super League club of the 2024 season alone. The 30-year-old, who can play both wing and fullback, previously featured on loan for Hull FC in March, scoring a try on debut, before making his first Warrington appearance of the year the following month.
This latest switch to Headingley has sparked intrigue around which players have lined up for the most Super League clubs during their careers. A deep dive into the stats has unveiled 20 players who have represented six or more clubs in the top flight, with three individuals standing out as having donned the jersey of seven different teams.
The Nine-Club Legend: Gareth O’Brien
Leading the way is Warrington-born Gareth O’Brien, who will turn 33 in October. The full-back has featured for an impressive nine clubs in total, including seven in Super League – Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings, Castleford Tigers, St Helens, Salford Red Devils, Toronto Wolfpack, and his current side, Leigh Leopards. Despite never making more than 65 appearances for a single club, O’Brien is closing in on the 300-game milestone in his professional career.
Matty Russell: A Seven-Time Super League Player
Joining O’Brien in the exclusive seven-club category is Matty Russell himself, who is set to make his Leeds Rhinos debut and officially become a seven-time Super League player. The 31-year-old first emerged at Wigan Warriors in 2012 before also featuring for Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Centurions, and Toulouse Olympique.
Tommy Lee: The Eight-Club Veteran
The only player to have represented eight different Super League clubs is retired forward Tommy Lee. The Hull native, who hung up his boots in 2019 at the age of 31, donned the jerseys of Hull FC, Crusaders, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, London Broncos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, and Hull KR during his 15-year career, all exclusively in the top flight.
“Despite never making more than 65 appearances for a single club, O’Brien is closing in on the 300-game milestone in his professional career.”
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