in 2005, russo moved back to queensland and signed with the redcliffe dolphins. also in 2005, russo was selected to play for the queensland residents team to play against the nsw residents side. in 2006, russo was set to join the canberra raiders but the deal fell through due to salary cap restraints at the club. in 2009, russo joined gateshead in england but only made one appearance for the club before returning to australia.