Ian Russell (rugby league)


Ian Russell is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. Primarily a, he played for the Illawarra Steelers and North Queensland Cowboys in Australia, and for the Sheffield Eagles, Paris Saint-Germain and Oldham Bears in Europe.

Playing career

A Mittagong Lions junior of Indigenous descent, Russell won an under-18 Grand Final with club in 1983 and played A Grade for them in 1984 before joining the Illawarra Steelers.

Illawarra Steelers

In Round 6 of the 1986 NSWRL season, Russell made his first grade debut for Illawarra in a 22–8 win over the St George Dragons. In 1987, after just one game for the Steelers, Russell was released from the club due to poor form and attitude problems, returning to Mittagong. With Mittagong he played in their Grand Final loss to the Picton Magpies.
In 1988, Russell was invited back to the club and, although he could not force his way into their top side at first, he became a key player for the team. In 1990, he was named named the Steelers' Player of the Year, was named in the Australian train-on squad and finished fourth in Rothmans Medal voting. In 1991, he once again won the Steelers' Player of the Year award and represented NSW Country Origin, starting at lock in their 12–22 loss to City. In the Australian summer of 1990–91, Russell spent time with the Sheffield Eagles in the English Championship, scoring three tries.
In 1992, a hamstring injury saw him miss the finals series, a major blow to the Steelers, Despite the injury, he won the Dally M Lock of the Year award. Over the next two seasons, injuries restricted him to just 18 games. He ended his time with Illawarra having played 115 games, finishing as the club's 10th most capped player.

North Queensland Cowboys

In 1995, Russell joined the newly-established North Queensland Cowboys. He started at lock in their inaugural game against the Sydney Bulldogs, but played just 11 games in the club's first season. In 1996, Russell played just one game for the club before being sacked for disciplinary reasons.

Paris Saint-Germain

In 1996, after departing the Cowboys, Russell joined Paris Saint-Germain for their first season in the Super League, playing three games for the club.

Oldham Bears

In 1997, Russell joined the Oldham Bears, playing six games for the club.

Achievements and accolades

Individual

NSWRL/ARL

Championship/Super League

Post-playing career

In 2006, Russell was named at lock in the Illawarra Steelers 25th Anniversary Team of Steel.

Personal life

Russell's son, Tate, is a professional footballer and currently plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League.