Kumul forward Russell joins Wolves on a 2-year deal

PNG Kumuls backrower Dan Russell believes his short stint in the NRL will add valuable experience in the next chapter of his rugby league career when he joins Warrington Wolves next season.

After just playing 8 games for the St George-Illawarra Dragons at top-grade in 2023, Russell is keen to experience a new environment in Super League under former NRL star and Wolves head coach Sam Burges.

Wolves confirmed the signing of the 28-year-old Kumul forward on a two-year contract, starting in 2025.

This means he will join fellow PNG international and former Hunters center Roderick Tai at the wire, adding profundity to the forwards department.

Russell said the move to England was a massive moment in his career and was grateful for the opportunity, having spent the previous World Cup campaign with PNG at The Halliwell Jones.

“We stayed in Warrington during the World Cup for PNG, and I remember the atmosphere being incredible at The Halliwell Jones,” Russell said.

“Everyone talks about the UK crowds but to 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 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.”

Russell spent his entire rugby league journey in Australia’s second-grade competition in Queensland and New South Wales Cup respectively, before making a crack at NRL last year.

Despite not being named in Dragons top-grade side the entire 2024 NRL season, Burges was adamant Russell will be a core member of the pack.

“I’m thrilled we’ve been able to bring Dan over to Super League for next season,” Burges said.

“His size, power, and physicality will strengthen our back-row options, and he’ll add value to our pack moving forward.”

The lanky backrower has been named for the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII side, who will play Australia on Sunday.

Russell will join Wolves preseason training in December after the Kumul's campaign in the Pacific Championships.