Russel keen to join Olam

PAPUA New Guinea international Dan Russell is keen to join fellow Kumul Justin Olam in the Melbourne Storm colours for this year’s National Rugby League season.
The 24-year old joined the Craig Bellamy-coached side in January on a train-and-trial basis and with three weeks remaining in his stint, he is giving his best to make the final squad.
Russell told The National last week that the 2020 NRL premiership winner, Olam, was always a motivation to him when they play alongside each other in the Kumuls’ test matches.
“Of course, I’ve played alongside Justin Olam a few times now for the Kumuls and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it,” said the former North Queensland Cowboy.
“He (Olam) always gives everyone that boost and motivation before and during every game that I played alongside him and I guess that’s what makes him a better player.
“He is a freak of a player and he always gives so much to the team (Kumuls and Melbourne Storm).
“It’ll be awesome if I get a chance to be part of the Storm this season and I look forward to join him (Olam) if I get a contract after the trial.”
Russell, whose father Mark was born in Port Moresby and raised in Madang, first played for PNG in the 2018 Prime Minister’s 13 clash against Australia which they lost 16-34 at the Oil Search National Football Stadium
Russell played on the wing and partnered Justin Olam at centre in that match.
He later made his test debut for PNG in the 2019 Oceania Cup match against Fiji in New Zealand (PNG lost 22-24) before he became part of Kumuls’ historical win one week later when they beat Great Britain in Port Moresby. Russell also played alongside Olam in the Inaugural Rugby League Nines World Cup in 2019.