JOHNSON JOINS JETS FOR 2019 SEASON
BILAMBIL have signed proven halfback Rex Johnson in a major fillip for their 2019 Rugby League Gold Coast campaign.
The 29-year-old had been with Tweed Heads – who he made six Intrust Super Cup appearances for last year – for the first part of the preseason before family matters took priority over training commitments.
When Jets coach Kevin Campion learned Johnson had stepped away from Piggabeen, he did not hesitate in trying to convince him to enjoy his footy a bit further south. Johnson was the No.7 for Campion’s Seagulls side that made the Rugby League Gold Coast decider last year.
“He was one of my best players last year and we were a totally different side without him,” Campion said.
“He is quality. He has played QCup and still could play QCup if he wanted to but there are other reasons for that. I’m really happy that he is on board because he will make a difference to this club.”
Johnson confirmed he officially joined the Jets on Tuesday last week.
“I still haven’t put pen to paper but I have given them my word so I am not going to back out,” he said.
Bilambil have also added former Penrith under-20 hooker PJ Tevaga, while backrower Kobi Hugen has joined from the Port Macquarie region.
Coming off a tough 2018 campaign, the club is taking a fitness-orientated approach that has been aided by Campion bringing in strength and conditioning guru Billy Johnstone.
“I’m not going to overcomplicate things,” Campion said. “Players can be over-coached and that has a negative effect on them, so we’re keeping it really simple this year and relying a lot on our fitness.”