Rhinos Secure Loan Signing of Warrington Winger Matty Russell
Leeds Rhinos have announced the loan signing of Warrington Wolves winger Matty Russell, as the Headingley club aims to address their injury crisis in the outside-back positions. This marks the second time this season that the Scottish international has departed the Halliwell Jones Stadium on a temporary basis, having previously joined Hull FC earlier in the campaign.
Leeds Rhinos have faced numerous injury concerns throughout the season, but their outside-backs have been hit particularly hard. Overseas winger David Fusitu’a, the former New Zealand Warriors star, has been sidelined for an extended period after making just a solitary appearance this year. Similarly, young prospect Riley Lumb shone on debut by scoring two tries against Hull FC, only to suffer a hamstring injury in his second outing, which has since kept him out of action.
“Matty Russell’s strong work rate and ability to gain valuable yardage when carrying the ball presents a valuable opportunity to add proven quality to the team while continuing to develop the club’s next generation of players.”
- Rohan Smith, Leeds Rhinos Head Coach
In addition, Ash Handley has been in and out of the lineup due to a rib injury, while centres Harry Newman and Paul Momirovski have also missed games and remain unavailable. Given these circumstances, the acquisition of Russell on loan is a crucial move for Leeds Rhinos.
Commenting on the signing, Head Coach Rohan Smith expressed his delight at welcoming the experienced winger to the squad. Smith highlighted Russell’s strong work rate and ability to gain valuable yardage when carrying the ball, stating that it presents a valuable opportunity to add proven quality to the team while continuing to develop the club’s next generation of players.
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington also expressed his gratitude to Warrington Wolves for facilitating the loan move, anticipating that Russell’s try-scoring prowess and experience will benefit the Rhinos during this challenging period.
The player himself, Matty Russell, expressed his excitement at joining Leeds and the chance to get regular game time, acknowledging the injuries to the Rhinos’ wingers and the mutual benefits of the temporary switch.
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