Ian Russell

After season 1997 the Oldham Bears folded leaving Russell out of a first grade club.

Being one of a handful of strong signings at the Cowboys for season 1995, Russell appeared to struggle to find the form he possessed down south for Illawarra. Russell was sacked by the Cowboys for disciplinary reasons in 1996 and finished the season with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Oldham in 1997.

However his failure to take to the field because of a troublesome hamstring injury in the 1992 finals series was a major blow to the Steelers, but his talent did not go unnoticed receiving the 'Dally M' Lock of the Year. Russell's injuries restricted his appearances over the next two years however and he signed on with the fresh North Queensland Cowboys for 1995 as one of the Cowboys backbone players.

Russell's toughness and creativity were essential to Illawarra's success in the early 1990s. Graded by the club in 1986, Russell was released to return to play with Mittagong in 1987 because of his poor form and attitude. Russell was invited back to the club in 1989 and, although he could not force his way into their top side at first, his deft ball skills and fine kicking game improved enormously at Illawarra and he was rewarded with a place in the NSW Country Origin team in 1991. Illawarra's Player of the Year in 1990-91, Russell also polled well in Rothmans Medal awards.

Ian Russell (born 10 August 1965) is a former professional rugby league footballer.