Toronto Wolfpack duo Gareth O’Brien and Matty Russell have both signed new deals with the club.
League Express understands the pair have both put pen to paper on new contracts, with Russell turning down interest from Wigan to stay with the Wolfpack.
Russell has been one of Toronto’s top performers in their debut Super League season, working hard out of back play and making plenty of metres.
His retention will come as a boost to coach Brian McDermott, with the 27-year-old attracting interest from the Warriors, as well as Wakefield, in recent months. Trinity made a bid to sign the former Warrington and Hull speedster in a swap deal several months back, while Wigan had enquired last month.
But Russell has shrugged off the temptation to move elsewhere by putting pen-to-paper on a new two-year contract.
Meanwhile fullback O’Brien has also signed a new contract, despite being linked with a move away from the club.
The 28-year-old was a surprise omission at the start of the season, but earned his place back in the side before lockdown.
Despite initial interest from Hull Kingston Rovers, O’Brien has now signed a new deal with the Canadian club to keep him in Toronto beyond the end of the season.
Anthony Mullally has already triggered an option in his contract to extend his stay with the club into next season.
That said, big changes are expected at the end of the year, with the likes of Josh McCrone and Jon Wilkin expected to depart. Others, including players under contract, are also expected to move on as McDermott tries to shuffle his pack.
