Rising star Olly Russell commits future to Huddersfield

Promising half-back Olly Russell has signed a new two-year contract with Huddersfield.

The 19-year-old has made four appearances for the Giants after making his first team debut against Widnes Vikings in May.

Russell joins fellow youngsters Sam Hewitt, Jon Luke Kirby, Innes Senior and Louis Senior in penning fresh deals with Huddersfield.

On his contract extension, he said: “I’ve come over from Wigan, worked hard and getting the contract is a great reward, so I’m looking forward to the future with the Giants.

“I’m looking forward to working with Simon [Woolford] for the next couple of years but also getting tips off players around me like Danny Brough so that I can be the best I possibly can be.

“Chris Thorman and Luke Robinson both played half-back at a high level so to also have them teaching me is really beneficial.

“I didn’t expect to have made my Super League debut already. If you had told me at the start of the year that I was going to play just one Super League match I would have bitten your hand off, but to be a part of four, with three wins, is great. I’ve loved the season and I can’t wait to get back into the mix.”

Giants coach Simon Woolford admitted that he is a big fan of Russell.

He said: “It’s really big for Olly and we’re glad he’s committed to the Club for another couple of years.

“He’s got a great kicking game, plays with lots of poise and is very calm. Nothing seems to faze him, which is what you want in a young half, and that’s a real strength of his at such a young age.

“After another pre-season or two, getting his body ready for week-to-week Super League, I would expect him to continue to improve.

“We’re stoked he’s committed to the club, he’s shown enough in the four games that he’s played this season that he can develop into a great player for us.”