Bartel was contacted by Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Christmas break, and has signed a two-year contract.

The former Wodonga, Murray Bushrangers and Kiewa footballer last played in the Canadian Football League in 2014.

He made the eastern division All-Star squad for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012 and 2013 before being traded to the Roughriders.

The 29-year old said he was excited to return to Canada.

“It's a bit of a different lifestyle, but I love it,” he said.

“In a lot of ways I wish I'd come across it sooner.

“It'll be good to go back to Saskatchewan, it's an area that I'm very familiar with, which is always helpful.

“I love it over in Canada, the people are so similar to Australians, very easy to get along with.”

Bartel said he hadn't expected to rejoin the league so soon, after taking a year off following the 2014 season.

He played three games for Kiewa Sandy Creek during the finals of the Tallangatta League, at one point scoring a memorable and massive goal from 60 metres out against Chiltern.

“I kept up to date with the Canadian league while I was back home, the Roughriders had a tough season,” he said.

“Hopefully we can stay injury free and try to improve.

“I'd had every intention of getting back to Canada at some stage, but I hadn't expected it to come about so soon.

“I've been on my own training program since just before Christmas, so hopeully I'll travel over to Canada with a bit of momentum behind me come May.”

The Roughriders endured a difficult campaign in 2015, finishing on the bottom of the Western Division ladder with just three wins. 

Bartel's coach, Pro-Kick's Nathan Chapman, said the Roughriders had made a good call in inviting the 29-year old back.

“For him to get another opportunity is fantastic,” Chapman said.

“He was absolutely rock solid during his last stint there, I think signing him on again is a great move from Saskatchewan. 

“He's a gifted footballer with a really natural, fluid action.”

Chapman said there would be little stopping Bartel from regaining his status as one of the premier punters in the CFL. 

“I'd expect him to step straight back into their side,” he said.

“There have been a couple of little rule changes in that league that will bring Josh's bag of tricks into play as well.

“He was impressive in terms of how he adapted to the environment, you play in sub-zero temperatures.”