Hunslet sign former Dewsbury Rams prop Zach Johnson

The 28-year-old front-rower is set to feature in Sunday’s opening pre-season game at home to Bradford Bulls.

Johnson had a spell on loan at Hunslet four years ago and has also played for Swinton Lions and Coventry Bears.

“Zach is very experienced, a big strong prop who will complement our younger guys,” coach Gary Thornton said.

“We have a real mixture in the front-row, which gives us lots of options.

“He knows that, having had a spell out of the pro ranks, he has to be on top of his fitness levels to push himself into the team, but he has shown a great attitude to pre-season training and he’s chomping at the bit to show what he can do in the warm-up games.

“He will provide a big challenge to the other front-rowers and we now have plenty of competition for places.”

Johnson, who played for Thornhill Trojans in the National Conference League after dropping out of the semi-professional game, insisted: “I’m maybe in my prime right now.”

He said: “I’ve got plenty of experience behind me and I’ve got several good years left in the tank.

“I bring a lot of go-forward and aggression, plus I can help bring on the younger players in the side.

“The spirit here is superb. Everyone’s bought into a collective unit, rather than us being a bunch of 17 superstars.

“We’re hopefully putting in building blocks for the long-term, and we’re aiming to return to the Championship.”

Johnson added: “It’s good to be back.

“I spent four games here on loan a few years ago, under Matt Bramald, when I played through a rib cartilage injury.

“This time I’m fully fit and raring to go and I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“It’s a match we’re aiming to win; it may be classed as a friendly, but the reality is that there’s no such thing as a friendly in rugby league, plus we’re all aiming to make in impression in the build-up to the start of the League One campaign in February.”