A few days ago, Paul Johnson thought his Bulls career was over and he was certainly ready to forget any Great Britain success.

But after a huge turnaround, the second-row ace is now planning to bolster both Bradford's Grand Final pursuit and the tourists' Tri-Nations bid.

Jinxed Johnson has only played two matches in the last four months following a campaign wrecked by injury and illness.

That jeopardised his international hopes with the Lions, and when the luckless forward - who joins Warrington next season - suffered another injury on Saturday night, he reckoned his Bulls career was heading for a premature end as well.

"I couldn't believe it," he recalled, after limping off against Salford.

"I heard a crack in my ankle and just started panicking. After all the problems I've had I was expecting the worst.

"But it's looking alright now. It isn't as bad as I first thought and I am desperate to play this Saturday."

The Bulls tackle Warrington at Grattan Stadium in an elimination play-off with Johnson having received a double boost.

The former Wigan star was included in Brian Noble's 25-man Tri-Nations squad on Monday despite missing more than half the season.

Johnson's versatility and experience at Test match level - he has 13 caps - was a key factor in Noble's decision, given that he will take six uncapped players Down Under.

The player is delighted but revealed he almost turned down the opportunity.

"I've had two poor years now with injuries and not had much game-time so firstly I did think I might not get picked," Johnson, 27, said.

"But also I was thinking, if I do get the nod I might not actually go.

"I contemplated concentrating on a good pre-season and starting well with Warrington and I wasn't going to tour even if Nobby did pick me.

"But then last week I really enjoyed myself against Salford. I felt really sharp.

"The first game back is always hard, and it was at Huddersfield, but in that second match I felt a lot more like my old self.

"I felt good, fresh and ready for action.

"I should be revved up now for Bulls and Britain."

If the champions defeat Warrington on Saturday they will head to either St Helens or Hull FC in a final eliminator next Friday.

"This is definitely the game I want to play in but not just because it's the club I've signed for," added Johnson.

"I want to play for myself - get another game under my belt - and for Bradford as well.

"It's going to be my last match at Odsal and it's a bit weird thinking about it like that. I've had a great time here and want to sign off here with another Grand Final ring. Obviously this match is massively important in doing that.

"If we win it we're in a semi-final. It would be fantastic to get to Old Trafford again. I don't want to go out this week or next."