Russell focused on Tigers

By PARKER TAMBUA
KUMUL Daniel Russell says he is happy to bide his time in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup and complete his two-year Brisbane Tigers contract which expires at the end of next season.
The former North Queensland Cowboy told The National on Tuesday that a knee injury had affected his 2021 season at the Tigers, who are a feeder side to National Rugby League heavyweights, the Melbourne Storm.
However, the Papua New Guinea international said he had fully recovered and was hopeful of a strong, injury-free 2022 season in Australia’s second-tier rugby league competition.
“I signed a two-year deal with the Tigers before I left Townsville last year, so I only I have a season remaining which is next year,” Russell said.
“My body is great, I am fully recovered and I am ready for a big year in 2022.”
The 25-year-old utility said he would have been ready to play for the Kumuls in this year’s World Cup in England had it not been postponed to 2022 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I actually had a clean-out done on my knee this year and recovered just in time, so I was definitely going to make myself available for PNG, but the World Cup had been postponed,” Russell said.
“But I think the deferral is good because it gives me the opportunity to play more games.
“The World Cup is my main goal next year.
“I want to do everything possible next season to make sure I earn a spot in the Kumuls squad.
“I can’t wait to put on the Kumuls jersey again.
“I really want to be part of the side as I love representing PNG.”