Two Salford Red Devils forwards have joined Barrow Raiders on short-term loan deals.
Josh Johnson and Jack Wells will be available for Monday’s televised Betfred Championship game at Widnes Vikings, the first of two successive TV appearances for the Raiders.
Their home Challenge Cup tie with Workington Town the following Sunday is being shown on BBC.
Prop Johnson, 27, is no stranger to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium – although it was the Craven Park back then – as he made 22 appearances for the Raiders in 2019.
Huddersfield-born Johnson had started his career with the Giants, eventually playing 36 games as well as spending time on loan or dual registration with Doncaster, Batley and Oldham.
He was signed by Hull KR in 2017, playing 19 times and going out on loan to York City Knights and Leigh Centurions.
From Hull KR he joined Barrow and did well enough to earn a move to Salford Red Devils where he has figured 25 times.
Second rower Wells, 24, is actually Salford-born and made 11 appearances for the Red Devils last season.
He is a product of the Wigan academy, and went on to play 18 times for the Warriors, as well as spending time on loan with Swinton Lions and Toronto Wolfpack.
Raiders players’ director Andy Gaffney said: “Due to the close relationship between (Salford head coach) Paul Rowley, Raiders head coach Paul Crarey and myself, Salford have agreed a short-term loan agreement.
“When Paul Rowley was head coach at Leigh this arrangement bore fruit in the past, with the likes of Chris Hankinson and Joe Bullock playing for Barrow.
“With the limited player availability, particularly with the Walne brothers having to retire, the agreement could prove a lifeline for our club.
“I would like to thank Ian Blease for all his help this week.”
