Matty Russell has officially left Championship side Oldham, and the news comes amid rumours of a move back to Super League.
Russell featured for Wakefield Trinity in the 2025 season, though it was another season plagued by injury. However, when he did play, he proved effective, and crossed for six tries in seven matches.
The 32-year-old made a switch back to the second tier in the off-season, in a bid to find more game time, and landed at the Roughyeds, who were initially one of the top contenders for the title.
The Scottish international failed to feature for his new side in the opening games of 2026, and he leaves the club without making an appearance.
According to reports elsewhere, Russell is set to re-join the Super League, and will make the switch across the English Channel to France, where he is expected to link up with Catalans Dragons.
The move comes after the news that Dragons recruit Manase Kaho will miss the entire 2026 campaign with an ACL injury, meaning they have the capacity to bring someone else in to replace the former Norths Devils man.
Catalans have a number of options already at the club, including former St Helens and Castleford man Josh Simm, who has filled in on the right flank so far.
Nick Cotric could also move to the wing, with Mathieu Laguerre coming into the centres, whilst youngster Leo Darrelatour could also be given a chance in Kaho’s absence.
The Dragons have not confirmed Russell’s arrival at the time of writing, meaning his next destination is only a rumour at this stage.
Matty Russell set for Super League return
Oldham confirmed Russell’s departure in a statement released on Thursday evening:
“Oldham can confirm Matty Russell has left the club to take up an opportunity with a Super League club.”
“ORLFC received a fee for the winger which the club deemed acceptable. Roughyeds would like to place on record its thanks to Matty for his efforts and commitment during his time at the club.”
Had coach Alan Kilshaw said: “Matty Russell has been presented with a superb opportunity and, as a club, we don’t want to stand in his way of that.
While naturally we’re losing a quality player, we feel we have strong depth in the outside backs and we’re very confident in the options we have available to step in and perform.
Although Matty’s time with us has been relatively short, he has been a model professional throughout — in his standards, his attitude and the way he’s carried himself around the group.
We thank him for his efforts and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
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