Russell ready to build on Bravehearts’ strengths

Scotland winger Matt Russell was proud of the way that he and his team-mates “had a dig” against Australia on Friday evening in east Hull.

The Bravehearts lost 54-12, but scored two good tries, and at times looked impressive in flashes.

“The first 25-30 minutes was sloppy,” Russell told Love Rugby League.

“It wasn’t the start we were looking for.

“But the way we finished – all the lads had a dig. There were just a few areas we can work on in our defence.

“I think we had a dig, and for our first hit out in a Test Match, there were some good signs.

“But we’ll pick up on video the things we need to work on.”

The offloading ability in the team did impress Russell, and he expects the team to put together more similar passages of play in the games ahead.

“It’s a bit of off-the-cuff play, when you play these teams you need to take your chances,” he said.

“Sometimes we didn’t take them and we weren’t clinical, but our offloading game hurt them at times.

“That’s probably something we’ll look at in the next few weeks, it’s one of our strengths.

“We’ve got some good offloaders, and some good carriers of the ball, especially with Danny Brough and Ryan Brierley sniffing around the middle.

“It’s definitely an option for us.”

The game certainly had some big hits, and Russell enjoyed the extra physicality that comes with playing in a Test Match.

“I enjoyed it, it’s what you expect,” he said.

“The contact is always going to be physical against them.

“Even lining up in the tunnel, they’re big fellas.

“Our boys stood up to it, but we were a bit sloppy on defence at times in the middle.”