Leigh add Oliver Russell on-loan from Huddersfield

Leigh have signed half-back Oliver Russell from Huddersfield on a season-long loan.

Russell, 19, made six Super League appearances for the Giants in 2018 and is the son of Richard, who made more than 300 appearances for Wigan, Oldham and Castleford between 1985 and 1998.

Leigh coach John Duffy said: “Olly comes from really good Rugby League stock and I coached him at Wigan when he was 16. He’s got a really old head on young shoulders and reads the game well.

“I’d like to thank Richard Thewlis and Simon Woolford for making this loan deal possible. I’m sure it will benefit all parties. Olly will have the opportunity of staking a claim for a regular place in the Championship He is flourishing and has been killing pre season so it will be great to have him on board.

“Olly is best mates with Josh Woods, who’s joined us on a season long loan from Wigan and so it will be great to see them in harness. With experienced players like Martyn Ridyard and Micky Higham to play alongside they can both get fantastic value from their year with us which will hopefully stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.”

Russell came through the ranks at Oldham St Anne’s, before moving on to the Wigan Warriors Scholarship. He played a full year for their academy before moving on to Huddersfield.

He said: “I’m really excited about coming to Leigh and playing under John. He’s a very good technical coach and a good person so when the opportunity arose I jumped at it.

“I’m aiming to play as many games as I can and to win something with Leigh. It was great to get the opportunity to play some Super League games last year and everyone at Huddersfield has been fantastic in the way they’ve helped me progress my career.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Josh and learning off the likes of Micky Higham. He’s been there and done that in the game and he’s a great role model.

“My dad’s best friend is Timmy Street who’s a great family friend and a real funny guy. Timmy’s a legend in Leigh- they love him there- so I know he’s looking forward to coming to watch me play for the Centurions.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me.”