BARROW Raiders have moved to strengthen their squad on the eve of the new Betfred Championship season by swooping for prop Josh Johnson following his release from Hull Kingston Rovers.

The 24-year-old was granted a release from the Super League side last Friday after wanting to leave in search of regular playing time and has now agreed a one-year deal with the Raiders, which includes a release clause should a full-time offer come his way.

The Raiders had to fend off competition from several other clubs for Johnson’s signature, with Championship rivals Leigh Centurions rumoured to be among those interested, and he may be in line to play some part in this Sunday’s season-opener away to Batley Bulldogs.

“It’s a great signing and we’ve fought off quite a bit of competition for him as well,” said Barrow rugby director Andy Gaffney.

“It’s a great boost as we go into the season at the weekend and he’s got a good chance of being involved (against Batley).

“Josh has got a really good pedigree; he’s tough, he’s got a pass on him and he’s an absolutely quality player – and it’s really exciting that we’ve got him.

“Our front-line is looking really impressive now.”

Johnson came through the youth system at hometown club Huddersfield Giants, making his debut in a Super League game against Salford Red Devils in August 2013 and playing a total of 36 times for the team before joining Hull KR in 2017.

He played a role in helping them win promotion back to Super League that year and has also had two loan spells with this Sunday’s opponents Batley, a loan stint with Leigh last year and dual-registration spells with Oldham, Doncaster and York City Knights.

Johnson joins ex-Hull KR team-mate Jordan Walne at Craven Park for the coming season too and Gaffney believes the fact Barrow have been able to recruit players with Super League experience shows the progress the club is making.

“The club is on the up and it’s a very attractive place for players to come,” said Gaffney. “We’ve got a smattering of players with Super League experience all over the park now.

“It’s good that we’re in the mix for these types of players now and, at the end of the day, they are excited to come to Barrow.

“I think, now, people are starting to look at Barrow as an up-and-coming club.”