The performance of Josh Johnson in last week’s Super League win over Castleford Tigers is the latest indication of how successfully the Giants-Oldham dual-registration partnership is working.

The 20-year-old was outstanding in the loose-forward role for his hometown club in the 42-6 ipro Sport Cup triumph over Coventry Bears a fortnight ago.

It was a display which proved beyond doubt to Giants chief Paul Anderson that Johnson was ready to step back into the Super League fold.

And the youngster took his chance with both hands – just as Scott Grix, Michael Lawrence and Kyle Wood did at the start of the season and Jodie Broughton hopes to do after coming up with two tries for Oldham in last weekend’s 32-10 Cup triumph at Barrow.

The likes of Nathan Mason, Oliver Roberts and Mick Learmonth have also had run-outs with Oldham this year, with young prop Learmonth being given permission to play for them in tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup clash at Sheffield Eagles.

That Learmonth Cup gesture was Anderson’s way of thanking Oldham boss Scott Naylor for letting his Giants get some much-needed gametime under their belt, with the Huddersfield head coach only too happy to offer his help.

“This partnership couldn’t really be working any better,” said Anderson.

“I have an excellent relationship with Scott Naylor, which goes back to the days when we played together at Bradford Bulls, and he’s looking at the link-up as positively as we are.

“We’re allowing Mick Learmonth to play for them in the Challenge Cup this weekend, for instance.

“And you just have to look at what’s happened with Josh Johnson as the latest example of how well it’s working for us.

“When Josh played 60 minutes for them the other week, he absolutely killed it, and Scott turned around and told me our front-rowers must be in good form if Josh couldn’t get a start with us.

“That was a further sign that he deserved to be rewarded with a Super League appearance, and everyone saw how he came in against Cas and played well.

“No doubt Jodie Broughton will now be hoping something similar can happen for him.

“He played for Oldham last week, did well, scored two tries and got some very valuable gametime under his belt. That will benefit him further down the line.”

The benefit of the dual-registration deal initially reaped its reward for Grix, Lawrence and Wood, who gained vital match fitness after recovering from major shoulder, wrist and knee surgery respectively.

Although Anderson has revealed the trio had initial reservations over the move.

“I’m not really saying this as a major criticism of anyone,” continued Anderson.

“But when I first told Grixy, Bruno and Woody they’d be playing for Oldham, you’d have thought I’d just taken their kids off them!

“Fortunately, they all accepted the decision, did the right thing and got some very valuable gametime under their belt.

“Although the level Oldham are playing at isn’t as quick as Super League, it’s just as tough and as physical, and it meant all three of them were far better prepared when they got back into our side. They’ve all played well since they’ve returned.

“As a result, I think the message is filtering through our group that it isn’t a punishment to be told to play at Oldham. It’s an opportunity to show everyone that they’re playing well and need to be seriously considered for a Super League start.

“That’s been the case for Josh Johnson, Scott Grix, Michael Lawrence and Kyle Wood, and it can be the case for others later in the year.”