MATTY Russell says he will be ready to prove ‘any doubters’ wrong when he gets an opportunity in Daryl Powell’s new-look Warrington Wolves side in 2023.

The 29-year-old Scottish international has rejoined The Wire on an initial 12-months contract – a deal that has been about a month in the making – following spells in Super League or the Championship with Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh and Toulouse Olympique.

Powell will be looking for Russell, who joins fellow new Wire signings Paul Vaughan, Josh McGuire, Sam Kasiano, Gil Dudson and Josh Drinkwater, to challenge Josh Thewlis, Matty Ashton, Greg Minikin and the currently injured Connor Wrench for a wing spot.

He says it himself, that the Matty Russell returning to The Wire is a better one on and off the field than the one that left these parts in May, 2018.

“I’ve got every confidence in myself,” said Russell, who started pre-season training with the club today and whose move to The Wire allows him to be back living in his home town of Wigan which is what he wanted so he is closer to his two children.

“I’m not going to be arrogant and at the same time I’m not naïve to be saying I’m going to be pushing for a place.

“But it’s about whatever I can contribute to the team, whether that’s pushing lads in training or keeping lads who are in the team looking over their shoulders knowing I’m knocking on the door.

Warrington Guardian: Matty Russell back at The Halliwell Jones StadiumMatty Russell back at The Halliwell Jones Stadium (Image: Warrington Wolves)

“Pre-season is a big one if I rip in during pre-season, which I know I can. I’m hungrier than ever to succeed and get a start at the club, whether that’s round one or round 21, so as soon as I get a chance I will grab it with both hands.

“Daryl said he’s been a big fan of me over the years. From the time here last time, how it never ended in the right terms, but he’s confident in my ability.

“And he’s said if I can concentrate on being a role model, be a professional, which I know I am now, then things on the field will be impacted as well and I think I can give a lot more than I gave last time.

“I think I’m a better player. Since I was here when I was a bit younger, I think I’ve adapted a lot.”

> READ: How the Matty Russell signing story broke and what Daryl Powell is saying

Former head coach of The Wire, Steve Price, released Russell four months into his first season in charge, with the Wiganer then joining Canadian outfit Toronto on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Russell only featured three times under Price. He was dropped after Warrington's 18-10 victory over Widnes Vikings on February 16, 2018, with Mitch Brown taking over the role that was then to be filled by high-profile signing Josh Charnley.

“Steve came in but to be honest I wasn’t performing,” said Russell.

“I had a few things off the field, which are more than cleared up now, that were probably affecting my performance and the environment I was coming in.

“I’ve worked on that and the last few years I’ve been away I’ve worked on myself. As the physio said yesterday, I’m coming back as almost a new player – physically I think I can do a lot more and for the whole team I think I can contribute a lot more than I actually did in the past. That year wasn’t the best but a lot of off-the-field things impacted that as well.

“I 100 percent enjoyed my time here last time around. Being away to smaller clubs I’ve been at, you can take things for granted when you’re actually here – when you see the facilities, the stadium, the staff, the players, the people around you who care for you – that’s a big one for me.

“Being back here it’s an eye opener and I probably took things for granted at the time and I’m lucky to get that second chance here.

“I’ve had it tough the last few years but I’m grateful to be back at the club, and being at a successful club like this is massive for me at this part of my career.”

Russell explained a little more what he means by having had it ‘tough’ for the past few seasons.

“I’ve been in sides that have been at the bottom of the league most years,” he said.

“Only a player can appreciate how tough it is being an outside back and having to take them first carries, the tough carries, against a side that’s on top of you.

“I’ve had it tough and I think I’ve crawled my way through the other side, obviously getting noticed by a couple of teams and then Warrington asking for me as well.

“I’ll give myself a little pat on the back just for them efforts I’ve made over the years but nothing’s complete yet and it’s just the start for me now.

“It’s a massive platform to be back at Warrington and to be able to showcase what I’ve got.

“On the field I know what I’m capable of, and just to be a role model off the field is a big one for me, while I want to embrace the Warrington community too.

“If I can contribute in any way, like I’ve done in the past at times at Warrington, I think it can go a long way.”

He acknowledges how Powell has improved players in the past and believes that working under the former Castleford boss will be good for him.

“I remember him at Castleford doing wonders with certain players,” said Russell.

“I remember Derrell Olpherts (who has signed for Leeds Rhinos in 2023) and people like that. He brought Olpherts on loads.

“I know that what he likes, and it is tough running outside backs who run as hard as they can every time they touch the ball. And that’s my DNA, what I’ve had through the years.

"I’ll be taking a lot of notes off Daryl and anything he wants me to do I’ll do for him to get in the team.

“I’ll rip in during pre-season, I’ll get as strong and as fit as I can and hopefully when I get the chance I’ll prove to the fans, if there’s any doubters out there, why I’m here and sort of make a stamp on that.”

A one-year deal, with a 12-months option, means Russell needs to impress pretty quickly in order to attempt to secure a longer stay.

He said: “It’s a bit of a lifeline to come back to a club like this, so I’m leaving no stone unturned. I’ll keep ripping in and I think all the boys have got faith in me after speaking with them.

“It’s up to me basically. I can be given all the facilities, all the supplements and all the training put into me as much as anyone wants, but it’s down to me to perform and that’s something I’m hoping I can do for the team.”