Russell commits to two more years

Oliver Russell has signed a two-year contract extension with the Giants

Oliver Russell has signed a contract extension with the club for two extra years. The half-back was the Giants top scorer in 2019 and was a part of the Academy side with fellow contract renewals Sam Hewitt, Jake Wardle, Innes & Louis Senior and Jon-Luke Kirby who reached the RFL Academy Championship semi-final for the first time. 

Russell said: "I think the main reason I’ve resigned is that I’m happy at the club. I’m growing as a player under the coaching staff and I’m learning from the older players Lee Gaskell and Aidan Sezer which is helping my development."

"There’s also a good bunch of young lads that can do something quite special if we stick together. Obviously seeing that Sam Hewitt, Jake Wardle, Innes Senior, Louis Senior and Jon-Luke Kirby res-sign my made decision so much easier. We had a decent side together at my last year in the Academy and it gives me hope that we can pull that form together in a couple of years."

"The club is also making some good moves elsewhere to bring in a crop of young players, and signing some great talents like Ashton Golding."

"I’m aiming to get a starting shirt at the half-backs at the club, while learning from Gaskell and Sezer will help me at the moment, I definitely want to fight for a starting shirt in the next couple of years."

"While obviously the break has not been ideal, I’ve treated it like a mini-pre-season, I’m fit and ready to go whenever we need to go but it’s been nice to spend time with the family. I’ve been missing time with the lads though and I’m excited to get back training with them."

Simon Woolford, Huddersfield Giants Head Coach said: “Russ is obviously a very important part of our future.”

“In the opportunities he’s had to date, he’s always accounted himself very well.”

“Currently he needs to remain patient, bide his time and learn as much as he can from Seze and Gasky.

“I know when he get his next opportunity he won’t let anyone down, we have full trust in Ollie and know can get the  job done.

“We are lucky to have most of our great younger brigade now tied up, we see Ollie as an important part of that group moving forward.”