Ian Russell

Mittagong lock's toughness and creativity were essential to I’warra's success in the early 1990s. Graded by the club in 1986, Russell was released to return to play with Mittagong the following year because of his poor form and attitude. He was invited back to the club in 1989 and, although he could not force his way into Sheffield Eagle’s top side during his stay in England in 1990-91, his deft ball skills and fine kicking game at I’warra were rewarded with a place in the Country Origin team in 1991. I’warra's Player of the Year in 1990-91, he also polled well in Rothmans Medal awards. His failure to take the field because of a troublesome hamstring injury for the 1992 finals series was a blow to the Steelers' chances. The 'Dally M' Lock of the Year in 1992, his injuries restricted his appearances over the next two years and he signed on with the Nth Queensland North Queensland for 1995. Russell was sacked by the North Queensland for disciplinary reasons in 1996 and finished the season with Paris before joining Oldham in 1997.