Hull-bound Johnstone has played last game for Widnes
Widnes hooker Jordan Johnstone has played his last game for the club, ahead of his move to Hull for 2020.
Johnstone, 22, was stretchered off after just four minutes of the Vikings’ 1895 Cup final defeat to Sheffield at Wembley on Saturday.
He suffered a suspected fractured eye socket, and while full details of the injury are yet to be revealed, the Cumbrian is out for the season.
Devastated with the way I left the game yesterday, wanted to finish my time at Widnes on a high but unfortunately wasn’t able to do that. Scan results weren’t great and sad to say I’ve played my last game for the club and I wish you nothing but the best in the future ⚫️⚪️
— Jordan Johnstone (@johnstone46) August 25, 2019
Without Johnstone, or a recognised hooker on the bench, Widnes squandered a 12-0 and 18-12 lead to be beaten 36-18 by the Eagles.
Johnstone joined Widnes in 2015 having been spotted playing in the Cumbria regional academy system, and made his debut for the club in 2016.
He recently agreed to move to Hull on a three-year deal.
Widnes have two Championship games left, against Swinton and Dewsbury, and are not yet mathematically certain of survival, though the only team that can catch them, Barrow, are away at Toronto this weekend.