Championship

Bradford Bulls add another ex-Super League player to their squad in 2023

by
Cam Pattison
January 27, 2023

Bradford Bulls have added yet another former Super League player to their squad and another to their pack.

The Bulls have signed former Leeds Rhinos loose-forward Bodene Thompson – as well as his teammate Jack Walker – and Huddersfield Giants veteran Michael Lawrence to feature in their pack in 2023.

Now they have added another former Super League forward in the shape of Josh Johnson.

The 28-year-old started his career at Huddersfield Giants, spent time with Doncaster and Batley Bulldogs prior to joining Hull KR in 2017.

After a brief spell with Barrow Raiders, Johnson joined Salford Red Devils in 2019.

He then joined Widnes Vikings but requested a release recently ahead of a move to Bradford Bulls.

In a statement on the club’s website, the Vikings said:

“Johnson approached the club asking for a release from his contract earlier this week, and that request has now been granted.

“With competition for places in the front row fierce, including the likes of Owen Farnworth, Kyle Amor, Callum Field, Ant Walker and Lewis Hatton, it was decided that it would be in the best interest of both parties to allow Johnson to leave.

“He unfortunately suffered an injury on his debut at home to Whitehaven, but returned later on in the season to make six further appearances, the last of which was in the away win at Bradford in September.

“His final run out in a Vikings shirt was during last week’s pre-season win over Oldham.”

The Bulls announced the news brilliantly on TikTok with a video in which Johnson was portrayed as a Love Island bombshell.