HAVING already created a buzz with his impressive World Cup campaign, Wolves’ new signing Matty Russell hopes to use this weekend’s friendly to show that he has much more to offer in the coming months.

Wolves’ other completely new face, Anthony England, also hopes to show his new set of teammates, coaches and fans what he is capable of, although the 27-year-old prop forward is a doubt at Widnes Vikings on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

Russell recognises that Warrington’s traditional festive match-up will be a first chance for him and his teammates to see how he slots into a squad coming to terms with the most significant personnel changes it has experienced for several years, with Brett Hodgson, Lee Briers, Adrian Morley, Garreth Carvell and Mike Cooper no longer featuring.

“What you saw at the World Cup was not my best, I have got a lot to work on,” said Russell, who has signed from Gold Coast Titans in Australia.

“Especially under Tony and working one-to-one with him, I think my game can improve a lot.

“I was coming back after several weeks off before the World Cup and I am certain that I can get fitter and give more to Warrington than I was able to for Scotland.

“A lot of teams play different styles, similar structures in the plays but as a full back they have a different role for you each time.

“I am looking forward to getting among the other players, finding out how Tony wants me to play and getting used to playing for Warrington Wolves.”

As a prop forward Anthony England’s playing style is much more easily defined, but the former Featherstone Rovers player has question marks hanging over his appearance at the Select Security Stadium.

A torn rotator cuff and other shoulder damage suffered against Leigh Centurions in June has drastically restricted his ability to train in the past few months, meaning England will be fighting to be fully fit over the festive period.

“I think it is going to be a late fitness test for me and see how I go,” said the 6ft 5in man mountain.

“We’ll also speak to the surgeon who operated on it and make sure everything is all right before I am given the go ahead.

“I really want to play, but if there is any danger around re-damaging my shoulder then obviously I am not going to risk that.

“It was a lot worse than I thought it was originally, I had an operation about a week and a half after the injury and I have been in recovery and rehab ever since.

“I’m eager to get out there and show everyone what I’m about, but it has been a long, hard road to get here and I don’t want to make it worse.”