My money is on Josh is doing something academically and is using RL to fund his studies. Cheaper to live and more options RL wise to keep him employed for three years up north, it would make sense to move.
My parents live in Newport, Josh's home town. It's noted for Adam's Grammar School, which has links to Newport RFC where he learnt to play before joining Telford RL. If he went to Adam's, it's likely he's a bright lad
Adam's Grammar don't like to talk about it but their most famous recent(ish) old boy is one Jeremy Corbyn.