Johnson completes Wakefield move

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed former Bradford, Wigan and Warrington international utility back Paul Johnson on a one-year contract.

The Wildcats offered Johnson an opportunity to train with the Wakefield players following his release from Warrington so that they could assess whether he had fully recovered from his injury problems.

John Kear, the Wildcats’ Head Coach, said: “I’m delighted that Paul has agreed to join us. I worked with him when I was on the coaching staff at Wigan and at international level, so I have a great deal of respect for him both as a person as a player.

“Paul has proved that he is an adaptable player who will be able to provide cover for us in both the backs and the forwards.

“During the time he has been training with the Wildcats squad I’ve been impressed by his commitment and the way in which he has integrated with the rest of our players.”

Paul joined his hometown club Wigan Warriors in 1998 and played for them until 2003 when he moved to Bradford Bulls. He enjoyed two years at the Grattan Stadium Odsal before joining Warrington Wolves in 2006. He made 12 appearances for Great Britain between 2001 and 2005 scoring five tries in that spell.

Added Kear: “Paul’s was unlucky with injuries at Warrington but he has proved to us that he has overcome all those problems. He’s fit and raring to go for Wakefield and I believe he’s going to be a valuable member of our squad.

“He’s a player that’s respected by the professionals in the engage Super League and he also offers a try-scoring potential to the team as he’s regularly been on the score sheet at both club and international level.”

Paul Johnson said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and working with John Kear again. The Wildcats are an ambitious club and I’m looking forward to playing for them in 2010.”