Rookie Richard Johnson has earned a late Christmas present - a Bulls shirt number for next season.

The lively Academy centre is one of the club's longest-serving players, having been at Grattan Stadium for the last six years.

He is yet to make his first-team debut but boss Steve McNamara rates him highly and has awarded the player the No 27 jersey.

Johnson captained the Senior Academy side last season and was handed a special trophy at the Bulls' presentation evening for his unstinting commitment to the club.

Despite turning 22 earlier this month, McNamara reckons the Oldham-based three-quarter can still push through and make the step up to Super League.

He has recently signed a new one-year deal and the boss said: "Due to his work commitments, Richard is unable to become a full-time professional but he is very much in our plans for next season.

"He will be challenging for a place in the side. His squad number is just reward for the sterling effort he put in last year and the hard work he has shown so far in pre-season training.

"Richard has a good turn of pace, is very strong and has a great work ethic and I am delighted to have given him the 27 shirt for 2008."

Johnson is likely to be in action when the Bulls open their pre-season account at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday.

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