OLDHAM have found their replacement for retiring star Australian halfback Josh Drinkwater in the shape of Oliver Russell.

The 28-year-old has signed a season-long loan deal from Wakefield Trinity to represent his hometown club after spending this year at Huddersfield Giants, making 17 appearances.

Russell is best known for his service to Huddersfield, where he came through the Academy and played more than 100 times before joining Wakefield on a four-year contract which started in 2025.

With his Trinity opportunities limited, he was also farmed out to Huddersfield last year, and with previous loans included, is closing in on 140 career outings.

The son of former Oldham hooker or loose-forward Richard Russell, he took his first steps with community club Oldham St Annes.

“It’s special to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” he said. “I’m excited at the prospect of playing at Boundary Park and in front of the fans.

“I’ll have a lot of friends coming because I’m an Oldham boy, and I’m excited to get going.”

Oldham coach Alan Kilshaw, whose side finished third and made the penultimate stage of the play-offs, added: “We’ve signed a top-class British halfback who I believe can be one of the outstanding players in his position in the Championship.

“He’s got plenty of Super League experience already, but he also still has a lot of growth in him.

“He’s at an age where halfbacks really start to thrive and develop their game, and I’m confident he can take another big step forward with us. Just as importantly, I see him becoming a great leader.”

Oldham have agreed contracts extensions with Kiwi secondrow Bayley Liu (one-year) and centre Ben O’Keefe (2027 with a further-year option).