MATTY Russell enjoyed returning to Super League after a spell in Australia, but insists there is work to do during pre-season.

The 21-year-old full back featured sparingly for Wigan and Hull FC, before heading to NRL outfit Gold Coast Titans in 2013.

His efforts this year were capped off with honours at the Man of Steel Awards night, having made more metres with the ball than any other player during Super League IXX.

“It’s been a good year for me,” said the Scotland international. “I’ve come back from Australia and fitted in pretty well.

“I had a bit of a sniff in my first few games, but it’s nice to get back into a good team and we’ve made two semi finals, so we’re definitely up there.

“I’ve got a few things to work on so I’m only going to have a week or two off. Then I’ll start back light training again and getting myself back into it.

“We’ve made some really good signings, Daryl Clark and Ashton Sims. That will add strength to our pack and the way we play. People like Daryl Clark sniffing through the middle can help our side.”

Russell also believes he has benefited from the experience of leavers Trent Waterhouse and Michael Monaghan.

“The Aussie blokes like Trent Waterhouse and Monas are always giving you tips,” he said.

“Not just in a game, in training they’re always tipping the young lads up. We’ve got a mixed team with a lot of young lads in it.

“They’ve helped us through it, even when we’ve had injuries they’ve tipped the young lads up, the young forwards, and it’s really helped our game.”

Russell is to have teeth removed following his concussion against Widnes, but it has not knocked the full back’s confidence.

“They’re hanging in at the moment,” he explained. “It’s part and parcel of the game and I wouldn’t be playing it if there wasn’t that risk.”

Wolves enjoyed further success in the post-season gong hand-outs.

Clark will join the club as the reigning Steve Prescott Man of Steel and holder of the Young Player of the Year title, while Joel Monaghan collected the Top Try Scorer honour at the ceremony in Manchester.

Foundation of the Year success came Warrington’s way too.

Clark said: “I never thought for one second I would win both awards. It was overwhelming.”