Wigan full back heading to the NRL

Young Wigan full back Matty Russell has signed a two-year deal to move to the NRL with Gold Coast Titans.

Russell, 19, made his Warriors debut in the 37-36 defeat to Widnes in March, and made a further appearance later that month against Salford, which turned out to be his last for the club.

He spent time on loan at Hull, where he played six games, starting them all at full back.

Titans football manager Scott Clark said: “He’s a young talent from England who’s looking for an opportunity over here in Australia.

“He’s still under-20s age (next year) but we’re not sure if he’ll play in the NYC, Queensland Cup or push for a first grade spot.

“He’s a young, talented kid looking for an opportunity and we can provide that for him.

“He’s got Tomkins in front of him at Wigan and knows he’s not going to get much of an opportunity there.

“With English blokes coming over here and proving themselves, he wants to be part of that.”