Tom Johnstone: Why Wakefield Trinity winger was brought off at half-time

Wakefield Trinity coach Willie Poching has explained why he brought winger Tom Johnstone off at half-time in their 30-24 win over Salford. 

The England international put in a masterclass of a first half display on Sunday afternoon, scoring two tries to help Trinity beat Super League rivals Salford 30-24 at Belle Vue.

Johnstone didn’t come back on when the sides entered the field in the second half due to a stiff back.

However, Poching confirmed that it was a precautionary move, and expects his in-form winger to be fit to face Wigan in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals next Sunday.

On Johnstone’s influential performance, Poching said: “Tom Johnstone was outstanding in the first half. He was the best player on the park when he was on there and we missed him in the second half.

“He’s a very special player. There aren’t too many players in our game who can score the try he did.

“I thought he carried strong too and he look dangerous every time he carried for us. He’s really confident at the moment.”

Tom Johnstone backed to make England World Cup squad

Johnstone has won one cap for England. He made his international debut in a win over France in 2018.

The 26-year-old was left out of Shaun Wane’s England training squad earlier this year. But Poching has backed his winger to make the World Cup side come the end of the year.

Poching added: “He has to be consistent, and give the selectors no decision to make other than to put him in the squad.

“Keep playing like he has been for us when he’s been out there. Keep being dangerous and show the selectors he’s worthy of that position and that spot.”

Wakefield currently sit sixth in the Super League table, having won three from their first games in the league.

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