Russell taking chance

PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls back-rower Daniel Russell is into his third week of a seven week train-and-trial programme with National Rugby League club Melbourne Storm.
The former North Queensland Cowboy told The National yesterday that he was vying for a spot in Craig Bellamy’s 30-man roster for the 2021 season with only three spaces available before the squad was finalised at the end of February.
“It’s just a seven week train-and-trial for now. My goal at the end of this train-and-trial is definitely to get a contract with the Melbourne Storm as they have a few spots left on their roster,” said the 24-year old, whose father Mark was born in Port Moresby and raised in Madang.
“Even if I don’t get a contract straight away hopefully I get a chance during the season if I can play well with their feeder club, the Easts Tigers (in the Intrust Super Cup).
“I’ve learnt so much in just three weeks about my own game and ways I can approve.
“Just goes to show why the Melbourne Storm are so professional and successful with the players always performing.
“To debut with the club would be a dream come true and it’s definitely my main goal for the season ahead.”
Russell is yet to make his NRL debut though he was with the Cowboys for two seasons before his contract expired at the end of last year. He then played for feeder club Mackay Cutters.
“I suppose being full time the last two seasons with the Cowboys, it gives me a slight advantage and understanding on what to expect here (Melbourne).
“But Melbourne Storm being probably the most successful club for the last decade, I knew there would be a huge difference (between the Cowboys and Storm) in terms of training, which it is and I was definitely prepared for that,” he said.