Warrington Wolves' Matty Russell opens up on joining Hull FC in double loan deal
Warrington's Matty Russell is ready to make the most of his second loan spell at Hull - 12 years apart.
The Scotland winger and Wolves prop Joe Bullock have both joined the Airlie Birds on initial two-week loan deals. Depleted Hull are potentially without 14 players for Sunday’s visit of London and in dire need of reinforcements. Experienced ex-Toronto star Russell, 30, fits the bill perfectly given he’s yet to make Sam Burgess’ Warrington side in the opening two rounds of Super League.
He was just 18 and on Wigan’s books the last time he joined Hull for a six-game loan spell in 2012. Russell recalled to Mirror Sport : “I think there’s only Danny Houghton still there from that time. It’s a long time ago now but I’m glad to be getting this chance.
"I’ve been injured and obviously the Warrington side are playing well so it’s just good to get some game-time elsewhere. Hull being a great club it’s a great opportunity to get it over there.”
Hull are still looking to get off the mark after an opening night 22-0 loss against Hull KR was followed up by Friday’s 36-10 defeat at Warrington. Russell is behind England wingers Matty Ashton and Josh Thewlis for a spot in Burgess’ side. But he hopes to remind the new Wolves boss of his quality while on loan at their Super League rivals.
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Russell, who scored three tries in 14 appearances last season, said: “That’s the plan. I was in a similar position last year. I had to wait a bit longer to play Super League then [late March] and that was me and Josh swapping. And Josh then moved to full-back.
“I’m not sure what the thinking is this season but I’ve just got to be ready if called on to be a clear slot in if anyone is to move about, does get injured or isn’t playing well. I guess it puts a bit of pressure on the team in that way. I just want to play well for the fans.”
Warrington Wolves' Matty Russell has joined Hull FC on loan (Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)Current Hull boss Tony Smith signed Russell for Warrington from Gold Coast Titans in 2014 and he went on to score 83 tries in 96 games in his first spell for the club. Promoted London have heavily lost both their opening two games. Russell said: “I’ve watched a bit of their games and the effort is there. It’s just that final touch they’re missing.
"They do look well-drilled so I expect they’ll be turning up to Hull and giving it a good shot. With me, it’s a two week initial loan and then we’ll see what both parties want to do from there with an option to call back. “Obviously with all the rules and stuff and how many people are getting penalised you’re never sure what will go on. But I’m just happy to be playing again and at a big club like Hull.”
And he’s enjoyed working with rugby league icon Burgess even if not yet getting a shot. Russell said: “He’s been really good. He’s a good man-manager. “His training is a lot different and intense. We’ve had a good tough pre-season and now we have to back it up. But it’s been really positive and after our first win on Friday I’m sure we can keep bouncing on. Sam has been really great for the group. He’s definitely the right man for the job.”
Meanwhile, ex-Wigan front-row Bullock, 31, has more than 230 career appearances under his belt. With forwards Franklin Pele and Herman Ese’ese still serving bans, his arrival at MKM Stadium is much-needed. London have also dipped into the loan market by signing young Huddersfield forward Fenton Rogers.
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