From Mathew Shaw

Tom Johnstone is a calculated transfer risk clubs are desperate to make but daren't
The Wakefield Trinity winger is off-contract at the end of the season.

For many fans across Super League, the prospect of having Tom Johnstone wearing their club's colours is a mouth-watering one. Next year, that could very much become a reality. The Wakefield winger is off-contract at the end of the season and in less than three weeks will be free to speak to rival clubs about a move.

There is little doubting Johnstone's talent. Among the best finishers in world rugby, the speedster provides genuine x-factor and a serious threat whenever and wherever he touches the ball on the field. In recent years he has improved the defensive side of his game and his yardage has improved too.

But there is one almighty caveat that will be considered by potential suitors of the Wakefield ace, and that's his rotten injury record. Johnstone is only 26 but has already undergone two ACL reconstructions, concussion issues and various other injuries that have seriously hampered his career.

Johnstone made his debut in 2015 and since the beginning of his career has averaged around 15 games per season. He has only made more than 20 appearances in any one year on two occasions due to his terribly unfortunate run of bad luck.

The dilemma facing clubs considering a move for Johnstone was perfectly illustrated in his most recent return from injury in Wakefield's win over Salford. Johnstone produced an individual display unlike many will have seen at Belle Vue that day. He scored two tries, created another and instigated another with a superb counterattack from within his own in-goal. But he was withdrawn at half-time after sustaining a back injury that resulted in him missing their Challenge Cup defeat to Wigan Warriors.

Unfortunately, signing Johnstone comes with an element of risk. Generally speaking, clubs are reluctant to pay big money to wingers anyway. Most would have no issue doing that on a player as talented as Johnstone but his injury record will no doubt leave clubs mulling over a move when otherwise they would not

Ultimately, Johnstone's future will be determined by whether a club is willing to take a calculated risk. There are some clubs who may trust their medical departments enough to believe they can get him on the field longer than Wakefield. If they can do that, they will justify paying the money his agent will no doubt be commanding. But 'if' is the biggest word in professional sport, and it's a very big if, too.

It would be easy for fans of every club in Super League to plead with the decision-makers to go and sign Johnstone, and those sort of calls are entirely understandable. But another major injury would mean a fair chunk of salary cap sat on the sidelines that can't be reinvested, which then frustrates fans down the line.

A good comparison is that of David Fusitu'a. A fellow winger, Leeds Rhinos fans were delighted to have signed the former Dally M winger, despite the fact he arrived after two years of torrid injury troubles. Now, he has managed just three appearances, two of which he went off injured in, and he has now undergone minor knee surgery. Now, there are concerns about whether it was the right signing to make.

That is the big deliberation facing clubs over Johnstone.

Wakefield themselves will no doubt have a say in the matter. Trinity aren't the biggest spenders in Super League but they should be in a position to compete financially with other clubs unless a rival blows them out of the water with figures they simply cannot reach.

Johnstone has played in seven of Wakefield's nine games so far this year, a solid enough ratio that will be looked upon favourably. And regardless of where he ends up, most fans, irrelevant of their allegiance, will no doubt wish to see more of Johnstone on the field in the years to come.

Best he stay put then.

"There are some clubs who may trust their medical departments enough to believe they can get him on the field longer than Wakefield."

How will that work?

I Hope he stays but if he is to leave i hope it is to the NRL - I reckon he can cut it .

I have heard a little whisper the Bulldogs are interested in chatting to him when they are allowed ,but as article suggets they are worried about the injury record .

Hardly a draw joining the NRL’s whipping boys. With a newborn doubt he’ll go to the NRL. I’m confident he’ll stay with us.

I hope he does because although he misses some games the ones he does play in he is almost always responsible for try’s or involved in the build up. His class can’t be doubted. Let’s hope his future lies at trinity.

I'd be very disappointed to see TJ leave the club, but I'm sure the club will make every effort to retain his services. But at the end of the day it's a decision for Tom and his advisors to make.

In these days of agents, being the cynic that I am, I'm sure they will recommend that Tom does whatever's the best for them.

Quote: Pat Bateman "They have on site ACL reconstruction departments that gets players back on the pitch after 24hrs. Also they make their players wear special bath caps to help reduce concussion .....'" these caps ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baseball-Prope ... NrPXRydWU=

Quote: Pat Bateman "They have on site ACL reconstruction departments that gets players back on the pitch after 24hrs. Also they make their players wear special bath caps to help reduce concussion .....'" these caps ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baseball-Prope ... NrPXRydWU=

Shouldn’t be too difficult to displace the current left winger at the Bulldogs!

I think this is a poor article.

TJ’s injury situation is imho a bit exaggerated.

In 7 seasons he’s averaged 15 games a season with a try average of one per game.

If he manages similar in the next 7 years he will be worth every penny.

15 games a season or more from such a devastating player is worth the risk.

As an aside I was watching some highlights from 2016 and 2017 the other day. I was amazed when I watched by how many of TJ’s contemporaries are now long gone from SL.

TJ has great longevity compared to many players.

He’ll get snapped up if he doesn’t sign for us. But if he’s smart he will stay right here.

Tom should put in his transfer request in the morning!!
Our most potent attacking force and I don’t think he received a single pass on the wing tonight. He’s completely wasted at Belle Vue.

Just when I thought the last of the toys had left the pram… there goes another one!

we don't deserve him