FOR those Warrington Wolves players who experienced last year’s pre-Christmas army camp, there may have been an element of relief to see no repeat on this year’s schedule.

As it turned out, however, they were in for quite a shock when what appeared to be a regulation training session was interrupted by flashes and bangs!

It soon became clear that there was a military element after all, with the “Civy2Commando” team dropping in on them for a day of drills.

And as new signing Dan Russell explains, it really did come as a surprise.

The Wire players are soaked by their military instructors (Image: Joe Richardson)

“We had no idea – we were in the middle of our training and we heard a flash grenade going off,” he said.

“You’re wondering “what the hell’s that?” then you see four or five army blokes run around the corner!

“We all looked at each other and realised what we were in for then.

“Once you get into it, you get into your group and get through it together.

“There’s camps like that involved in most pre-seasons but with them having one last year, we didn’t think we would be this year. It was a big surprise we got!

“It was obviously very tough – I’ve done a lot of those camps but they’re usually in the heat rather than the cold so when they got the hose pipe out, that got me!

“It’s about bonding and getting through together – we were told we were going for 24 hours but we got done at about 8 o’clock at night, so it was good for morale.”

Dan Russell during an abseiling task (Image: Joe Richardson) Given this was one of the Papua New Guinea international’s very first training sessions since arriving from the summer heat of Queensland, it certainly deepened the “culture shock” feeling for the back-rower as he adjusts to life in the winter cold of north west England.

He touched down last week with partner Beverly and their young son Ryan in tow, and the 29-year-old could not speak highly enough of how they have been helped to settle in.

“It’s been really, really good – I can’t doubt anything about it,” he said.

“The club have been awesome with me and my partner and the training has been high-quality.

“We couldn’t have fit in any better and we’re so excited for what’s to come.

“Obviously, I get to go straight into training and I’ve got those things to think about, but you always worry about how your family will be.

“I’m so lucky to have my partner – she’s followed me all around Australia too so she knows what its like. I know a few of the players here too which helps.”