HOT on the heels of their first, Warrington Wolves have confirmed their second new addition for 2025 of the day.
After news of his potential signing emerged over the weekend, The Wire have now officially announced that second rower Dan Russell will join the club for the new season.
The towering Papua New Guinea international will join Kumuls teammate Rodrick Tai at The Halliwell Jones Stadium having signed a two-year deal, and will report for pre-season in December.
First, though, he is set to represent his nation in the Pacific Championships, with PNG's campaign starting against Fiji a week on Saturday.
Russell joins half-back Oli Leyland, whose signing was confirmed earlier today, as a confirmed new addition to head coach Sam Burgess' squad.
“I’m thrilled we’ve been able to bring Dan over to Super League for next season," Burgess said of the 28-year-old.
“His size, power and physicality will strengthen our back-row options and he’ll add value to our pack moving forward.”
Russell recalls 'incredible' Warrington atmosphere
Standing at 6ft 4ins tall, Russell will certainly be among the biggest players in the Wire squad for 2025 and adds much-needed depth to Wire's back-row stocks, which will be depleted by the departures of John Bateman and Matty Nicholson in the off-season.
And The Halliwell Jones Stadium will be familiar territory for him having played there for PNG against the Cook Islands during the Rugby League World Cup of 2022.
Having made eight NRL appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons, the majority of Russell's appearances have come in the Queensland and New South Wales cup competitions and as such, he feels the move overseas has come at the right time in his career.
“It’s a massive moment in my career and I’m grateful for the opportunity," said Russell, who is also capable of playing in the outside-backs.
“We stayed in Warrington during the World Cup for PNG and I remember the atmosphere being incredible at The Halliwell Jones.
"Everyone talks about the UK crowds but to actually witness it gave me the drive to experience it again.
"I’m grateful to be at such a great club with great fans. To play in front of those fans each week will be really special.
“I’ve had experience in the NRL and now making the transition overseas has come at the right time in my career with a good group at Warrington under Sam Burgess.
"I feel my game is going to go to another level under the coaches and I’m super excited.”
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