Bradford Bulls have announced that centre Richard Johnson will play for Australian team Wollongong in 2009.
Bradford centre will play for Wollongong in 2009
Bradford Bulls centre Richard Johnson will play for Australian team Wollongong this season.
The Bulls' reserve-grade captain made his debut for the first-team against Leeds Rhinos last season, going on to make two further appearances in 2008.
However, Johnson faced a fight against England international Paul Sykes, Chris Nero and exciting youngster Jason Crookes for playing time this season.
Bulls head coach Steve McNamara believes the move presents a great chance for the 23-year-old.
Potential
"Wollongong are the feeder club for St George-Illawarra and this is a great opportunity for Richard at his age," he told the
Telegraph and Argus.
"He's a great kid and a good player but these opportunities - both in terms of rugby and actual life experiences - don't come around too often.
"We wouldn't want to stand in his way and he's gone for a season out there."
Academy prospect Duane Straugheir is handed Johnson's number 32 jersey for the upcoming Super League season.
"He comes up to take Richard's squad number and is a right centre," McNamara added.
"Duane's a young boy with plenty of potential. He's part-time but is very dedicated and comes in whenever he can. That is paying dividends."
