24-year-old prop Josh Johnson has joined Salford Red Devils from Barrow Raiders.
The former Hull Kingston Rovers and Huddersfield Giants player started his professional development with Salford’s scholarship setup and could make his senior debut for the club in Friday night’s Super League match against Warrington Wolves.
Johnson said: “I’m made up to be joining Salford.I’m grateful for the opportunity and just can’t wait to get stuck into training.”
He added: “It’s been a crazy few weeks for my agent, with clubs contacting him, as soon as I heard Salford were interested my decision was made though.
“They’ve been playing really well this year and Ian’s (Watson) proven himself as one of the best coaches in Super League, so I think he can take my game up a few levels.”
The former England Academy International made his Super League debut against Salford in August 2013 and has made over 100 appearances at senior level.
Johnson signed for the Red Devils today, after being released by the Raiders yesterday, due to a Super League release clause in his contract.
Salford Red Devils head coach Ian Watson said: “Josh is a player we’ve been keeping our eye on for a while and was receiving attention from other Super League clubs.
“He’s a tough, no-nonsense forward, who carries the ball strongly.He’s massively developed this season, playing consistently and working with Paul Crarey.”
He added: “It’s a good addition for us at a time when we need competition in the middle.He’s still got development in him, but he works really hard and looks to dominate the opposition.I remember watching him against Saints when he wouldn’t back down against the likes of Luke Thompson and Kyle Amor.He’s come in at a really important time in our season, so now he just needs to get his head down and focus.”
