I think that some credit should go to Brian Smith for giving Tom the number 2 shirt . Although coaches always say squad numbers mean nothing,I think it has given Tom a lot of confidence that a starting spot his to lose rather than waiting for an opportunity when someone is injured and maybe only getting the one chance to impress in a difficult game such as Wigan away which puts pressure on young players in a no win game. I think that gas happenedto some extent to Jordan who seems to me to have only been given a chance in games when we are already putting out a weakened side against a top team . He has done his best but it is better to introduceyoung players into a full strength side at home to give them confidence to play there natural game rather than having to try to prevent an embarrassing defeat away from home.
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I doubt Wane will be interested in Arundel or Gibson so I suppose that's one thing we don't have to worry about
As for Johnston even if he rips it up every game for the rest of the season which he undoubtedly wont he'll still have three years left on his contract at the end of the season, so depending on form he'll be in big demand with a high price on his head or just somebody with plenty of potential, personally I'm more concerned with the here and now than worrying about something that may or may not happen 6 month down the line.
I'll put my faith in the chairman and the player and his family unless an absolutely ridiculous offer comes in.

I think internationally we are very strong on the wing with the incumbents being Jerry McGillavry and Ryan Hall. I'm personally of the opinion Hall didn't justify a start given his form last year and even less so this year but it is a long season.

Behind them you have Manfredi and Burgess who are probably a year ahead of TJ developmentally although unless Burgess starts playing in the NRL soon it would be tough to justify him getting a spot on the wing.

You then have TJ who personally I wouldn't like to see start at that level yet but given his current form you couldn't say he hasn't deserved it he needs to produce it over an extended period as the others have done and it is only natural his form may dip over the course of the season.

The comparisons of Ainscough and his treatment at Wigan are slightly false as that was under very different management Noble tried his hardest not to pick young players often to the detriment of their career. He only picked Tomkins when Smith who was having a shocking season got injured. Wigan let Ainscough down and others at the time and I don't feel his confidence ever recovered from that. They have had a total shift under Wane I feel sometimes to the detriment of the team.

The best thing however for Johnston would be to remain at Trinity assuming they retain their position in SL. Develop slowly as under the radar as he can given the standard of his performances. Many players seem to struggle when leaving their first club to join a perceived bigger club and he is coming along fine just where he is.

England seems to struggle to produce decent centres and for me he looks more than capable of moving inside which would probably boost his international credentials as well but probably leave him where he is playing for this season at least.

I understand Wigan are close to signing Carney to replace Charnley and Sarginson can't get a game anyway in the centre due to the form of Gelling and the emergence of Gilldart. They will I would think be in the market for a utility back which is where Johnston may attract their interest but hopefully not, and if so hopefully Carter is in a position to turn them down.

Wasn't comparing them, just using him as an example of how it can all go wrong - for whatever reason.

Just watching the great Ellery Hanley on youtube. He scores a very famous try against Fev in the CCup (I think) whilst still at Bradford.

It's almost identical to Johnsons try except ellery took the ball on the move and Toms was a standing start (not expert enough to know which is better).

Both twenty years of age. High praise Iknow but if you can find it it's uncanny - sorry don't think I'm allowed to link it?

I picked up on this comparison when I watched the try back at home. Very similar indeed, particularly the agility, carry and fend as he breaks down the right.

Will be on Evalds side tomorrow.

For those of us that are not clued up on Evalds means what exactly?

And here's me thinking it was just me

He means he'll be facing Niall Evalds.
He's a full back normally who is switching to wing (but he has done it before)
He's pretty fast but I'm not sure he is as fast as Johnstone but we'll see.

I'd love another fastest man of rugby league race now. I'm sure Johnstone would be in strong contention with Broughton.

Maybe as Tom's try took the media spotlight someone in SL or RFL might think it could be a good media opatunity

It's great to have a couple of genuine prospects on the team sheet who could be seen in the red white and blue for some time to come . I just think we should lay off a little and let them develop at their own speed. they both have talent enthusiasm and club spirit to burn . It's all pointing to a successful career but all it takes is a drop in form a stinker of a game and things can change . It's not a regular thing at our club and ever the most successful clubs have on occasions lost a youn talent due to demands and raising expectations . It was interesting that someone suggested Johnstone playing in the centre , I think that would be an excellent idea maybe with a season on two under his wing .

Why?

It doesn't seem to adversly affect young NRL players, in fact IMHO it's part of what makes them so good - don't undrstand this desire to wrap them up in cotton wool - men younger than Tom were fighting the battle of Britain seventy years ago. The best time to lay off them is when the dip comes assumung there is one but other than that I'm more than happy to praise them to the rooftops but that's just my opinion.