I dont think you was writing him off either but what i do have to say is you seem to rate Murphy more where as if you turned up to all of last seasons 20's games and all of this seasons 20's games you would know that Murphy didn't earn his place he was moved to full back by default because Russell was called to Super League however what i think you mean is that he impressed once at fullback, however my opinion on this has always been the same form is temporary where as class and experience are both permenant, Murphy should never have been selected to play against leeds and we all saw why, that should have been Matty Russel pulling on the shirt, and people are still scratching their heads as to why hes left for the gold coast! Do the math, and from the result would you stick around???

But he can't have left for the Gold Coast, I thought the rumour was garbage?

You're right to correct that point, I mean he did enough to keep his place rather than he earned his place as it was by Russell going out on loan that Murphy got his chance. However Murphy managed to keep his place through some very good performances which is why he was named under 20's player of the year (Admittedly Rhodri Lloyd was robbed of that award as he was the best by far).
As for who I rate more, I simply rate Murphy's defensive ability higher right now, Russell's attacking ability higher (albeit there are still improvements that will undoubtedly come) and in terms of potential well Russell has a lot more potential.

I disagree that Russell should have been selected ahead of Murphy against Leeds as all signs pointed to a close game where defence would be important and as I said above Murphy would come out top in that department.

I'd also say it's having Sam Tomkins at fullback that is the number one reason why Russell would look elsewhere to develop his career. That and the fact that you'd have to be mad not to jump at the opportunity to go to Australia and play rugby in a place where it's taken very seriously and where the best coaches and the best competition is.

Good luck to the lad, fantastic opportunity. His opportunities at Wigan would have been limited again next year and he'll be better off playing reserve grade down under than he is over here.

Good Luck to Matty he'll love the Gold Coast and he'll have another Wiganer to show him around Shaun Wane's daughter works for the Titans, so he'll be in good company.

wait a minute, not its not

Shame, best of luck to him though.

Young Wigan full-back, Matty Russell has jumped at a switch to the NRL after spending most of the season on loan, beind Sam Tomkins.

The 19 year old, who had spells on loan at Hull and Leigh, will join Queensland outfit, Gold Coast on a two year contract.
READ MORE ON THIS STORY....

Ryan King and Stefan Marsh on there way elsewhere as well.

I think that was a given anyway. Is Marsh off to Widnes?

Good luck to him. Haven't seen him play, but if he's quick and elusive he's more likely to make a fist of it in the NRL than say Mathers, who just didn't have the running game needed (but who also deserves more credit than he generally gets for having the guts to give it a go). As it is, I'd be surprised if he gets more than the odd game for the Titans next year, especially at fullback - William Zillmann is a super player on his day.

It'll be interesting to see if other NRL clubs follow the same route in terms of looking at younger British players. In any event going to the NRL is far prefereable to losing him to union.