Warrington youngster Riley Dean makes Championship move
Warrington half-back Riley Dean has joined promotion-chasing Championship club Featherstone on a season-long loan for the 2023 season.
The 21-year-old has made nine first team appearances for Warrington since making his first team debut in 2019. Dean has also enjoyed time on loan in the Championship for York, Dewsbury and Newcastle Thunder.
Dean will continue to train with Warrington’s first team squad. The Wolves also have a two-week recall option.
Riley Dean excited to work under Featherstone coach Sean Long
Dean said: “I’m really excited to be joining this club. I feel that it’s on the brink of something great.
“From a personal perspective, the opportunity to work with one of the greatest halves in the history of the game in Sean Long is a huge opportunity, I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can progress under him.”
Dean was born and raised in Halifax and is of Irish heritage. He captained the first-ever Ireland Under-16s team, although he has yet to make his senior international debut.
Matty Russell returns to Warrington
Meanwhile, Scotland international winger Matty Russell has returned to Warrington on a one-year deal for 2023, with the option of a further year.
The 29-year-old winger scored 31 tries in 97 appearances for the Wolves between 2014-18. He has since played for Toronto, Leigh and Toulouse.
Russell will wear the number 34 shirt for Warrington in 2023.
Irvine-born Russell was a free agent after leaving Toulouse following their relegation from Super League last season.
He said: “To get another chance at this great club means everything.
“It only feels like yesterday I was here! It’s great to be back and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Once I heard Warrington were interested and I spoke to Daryl (Powell) and Karl (Fitzpatrick) it was a no-brainer for me to re-sign.”
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