Castleford Tigers recruit eager to grasp Super League opportunity: ‘I feel like I’ve still got more to offer”
Jordan Johnstone in action for Castleford Tigers
New Castleford Tigers signing Jordan Johnstone says he is keen to make the most of his opportunity back in Super League after arriving on loan from Widnes Vikings.
Hooker Johnstone made his Castleford debut in their 34-16 defeat to Leigh last Friday following his season-long loan move from Championship side Widnes.
The 26-year-old returned to Widnes ahead of this season following a three-year spell in Super League with Hull FC, where he made 56 appearances.
But Johnstone feels as though we didn’t see the best version of himself during his time at Hull – something which he is keen to prove during his time with new club Castleford.
He said: “To be honest I spoke to Widnes pretty early (last year) and got that deal boxed off pretty quickly because probably the last 12 months at Hull or going back to the pre-season before, it wasn’t that good of a time for myself.
“I just wanted to get back playing rugby and enjoying myself. I knew going back there to Widnes I’d be able to do that, being close to family and that happened for me.
“I’m just happy now to get another opportunity playing because the way I did leave (Hull)… I still feel like I’ve still got more to offer.
“You probably didn’t see the best of me when I was at Hull, being in and out of the team, playing a lot in the loose forward position, I didn’t get much time at hooker so hopefully over the next three months I can really show what I’m about as a hooker.”
Jordan Johnstone ‘happy’ to be back in Super League with Castleford Tigers
Johnstone has joined the Tigers for the rest of the Super League season as the Tigers look to secure their top flight status for 2024.
The Cumbrian hooker is keen to show Super League what he’s made of as we enter the business end of the season.
When asked if he always had the ambition to return to Super League one day after leaving Hull, Johnstone replied: “To be honest when I left I didn’t really think about it that much but when the opportunity came up it made me realise that I probably have got more to give.
“It didn’t end to well at Hull with the way I left and all that, and I still felt I had a lot more in me to offer, so probably looking back now, I’d have probably said no when I left but I think I’d have been lying to myself so I’m happy to be back in Super League.”
What are his plans for the future?
When asked about his future beyond this season and whether there could be a permanent deal at the Tigers, Johnstone said he’s under contract with Widnes for 2024.
“I’m just trying take it game by game at the minute,” he said.
“I just want to play some good rugby for Castleford and help the team from now until the end of the season.
“Whatever will be will be after that but I’m contracted to Widnes next year as it stands so that’s where we stand with that.”
Johnstone will come up against his old club Hull on Saturday with Castleford making the trip to the MKM Stadium, 3pm kick-off.