Podcast: Matty Russell opens up on overcoming gambling and alcohol demons, & how Toulouse has reacted to Super League relegation

Josh McAllister 31 Aug 2022 8:00 PM

Toulouse Olympique winger and Scotland international Matty Russell is this week’s guest on the Love Rugby League podcast.

The 29-year-old joins host George Riley for this week’s big interview.

Russell discusses Toulouse’s relegation from Super League after just one year in the top flight and where his future lies in 2023.

The winger also opens up on his personal journey and the rollercoaster of his career, including problems with gambling and alcohol.

Meanwhile, reporter Josh McAllister joins the show to discuss all the latest.

More on Matty Russell

Russell’s Super League career started at Wigan Warriors in 2011, while also featuring on loan with Hull in 2012.

He made the switch to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans ahead of the 2013 campaign. He returned a season later with Warrington Wolves.

Russell played in both the 2016 Challenge Cup final defeat to Hull and the Grand Final loss to Wigan in the same year.

The Irvine-born player later featured across two seasons for Toronto before making the switch to the Leigh Sports Village with Leigh Centurions for their year in Super League in 2021.

He joined Toulouse ahead of the 2022 campaign for their inaugural season in Super League, and crossed for their first ever try in the competition against Huddersfield.

The winger began his international career in 2013, named in Scotland’s World Cup squad. He featured in four games and scored four tries. Russell has since won 11 caps to date and will look to represent the Bravehearts once again at this year’s tournament later in autumn.