Wigan Warriors old-boys duo land new clubs for 2026 with one-year deals signed
Former Wigan Warriors pair Matty Russell and Joe Mellor have landed new clubs ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Winger Russell, 32, came through the famed youth ranks at Wigan and made his first-team debut back in 2011 before enjoying a stint in the NRL with Gold Coast Titans.
The Scotland international returned to Super League in 2014 and has since made more than 200 appearances for Warrington Wolves, Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Leopards, Toulouse Olympique and Wakefield Trinity.
Russell, who was born in North Ayrshire but raised in Wigan, has signed a one-year deal with ambitious Championship club Oldham for the 2026 campaign, with the Roughyeds chasing their Super League dream.
“Oldham is a perfect fit,” said Russell. “I haven’t been able to show my full potential with my knee problem, but it has all been fixed now.
“My body feels the best it has ever been in my career, and I feel my best years are still ahead of me.
“In the games I played last year, even when I was in and out of the team, it was probably the best I have played for a good few years.
“Fans are going to get the best version of myself, and I have already shown glimpses of what I am capable of.
“Being fully fit, fans can expect some exciting rugby and a lot of carnage while carrying the ball.
“After hearing the ambitions of the club and the drive from Mike (Ford), it was something I wanted to be involved with.
“I had a few other offers, but Oldham stood out the most – I feel I will be able to play my best rugby here and help the team thrive to where they want to be.”
Meanwhile, veteran halfback or hooker Mellor has signed a one-year deal with Super League’s newly-promoted club Bradford Bulls.
The 35-year-old came through the system at Wigan, making his first-team debut in 2011. Mellor played four games for the Warriors before going on to rack up more than 300 appearances for Widnes Vikings, Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils.
“It’s good to be here,” Mellor said on joining Bradford.
"It’s a really exciting time with the squad that has been put together. It is nice to know a lot of the lads already here, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.
“It’s exciting times for the whole club, it’s exciting to be back in Super League, and I wanted to stay in Super League as I still feel I have got a lot to offer.
“Kurt (Haggerty, coach) being here was a massive draw – he knows how I like to play, and I know the style of rugby he wants to play and having so many players familiar with him and his brand of rugby will certainly help.
"Everyone is working towards that first game. Having now seen the fixtures, we are away from home first, and then we have a couple of games after at home, which will be massive for the fans to turn up knowing we’re back in Super League. It is really exciting.”