Former Super League prop departs Bradford Bulls to join hometown club
Josh Johnson in action for Salford Red Devils in Super League in 2020
League 1 club Oldham have signed former Super League prop Josh Johnson from Championship side Bradford Bulls on a deal until the end of 2024 with immediate effect.
Johnson made 11 appearances for Bradford since arriving at Odsal ahead of this season having spent the 2022 campaign with Widnes.
The 28-year-old forward has been granted a mutual termination from his Bradford contract so he could make a move to his hometown club Oldham.
On joining Oldham, Johnson said: “I did have a few interested in me for next year but I didn’t take much convincing, to be honest, as soon as I found out Oldham were interested.
“I didn’t really entertain any other offers, I just said to my agent ‘let’s get it sorted’, and luckily we’ve managed to do that.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Stu (Littler), I know a few lads from when he was coaching at Swinton, he’s well-respected in the game and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“He’s got the boys playing well, so I wanted to be part of that push for promotion and get Oldham where it should be.”
Stuart Littler delighted to welcome former Super League forward Josh Johnson to his hometown club
Johnson played his junior rugby for Saddleworth and Waterhead before signing for Huddersfield and progressing through their academy.
He made 35 appearances for the Giants before going on to make more than 150 career appearances for Hull KR, Barrow, Salford, Widnes and Bradford.
On signing Johnson, Oldham coach Stuart Littler said: “We’re delighted to get him on board, he’s a very experienced player having played at a high standard.
“He’s going to come and add experience to the pack and he’s coming in at a pivotal time of the year.
“I’ve said all year that we will keep evolving and growing and he’s another cog in that machine.
“He’s coming in to add value and bring others with him, he’s a robust and dynamic player.
“It’s good to bring an Oldham lad back home, we’ve spoken from day one about getting Oldham boys in the team.
“We are a club on the rise and he’s a signing that ticks a lot of boxes, so we’re really happy to get it done and really keen to get working with him.”