Johnstone has his sights set on top-eight finish

WIDNES hooker Jordan Johnstone knows he has got a massive fight on his hands to secure a first-team spot in 2018.

The highly-regarded Cumbrian is one of four men vying for a chance to strut his stuff at dummy-half alongside experienced duo Lloyd White and Aaron Heremaia with teenage star Danny Walker coming up on the rails.

But if Johnstone’s performance in the recent 26-22 Festive Derby win over Warrington is anything to go by, the others had better watch out.

Johnstone showed his prowess in both attack and defence against the Wolves and he is looking to capitalise on the progress he made last season.

He said: “Last year, on a personal level, wasn’t too bad for me. I think I played 17 competitive games but hopefully I can build on that this year and kick on.

“Physically last year took its toll on me – I wasn’t expecting to play that many – but it should stand me in good stead.

“Coming into this season, I know what to expect on the physical side, especially with the defensive stuff.

“It’s about finding that level of consistency. Last year I was doing well in five or six games and then having two or three games where I didn’t play as well.

“When you’re playing in Super League every week, if you’re not consistent you get found out.

“There’s four hookers so there’s lots of competition.

“It’s good for the club. We’re all biting on each other’s ankles to get that spot in round one.”

Johnstone has an extra string to his bow having come through the junior ranks as a half-back.

And unlike some who have made the transition into hooker, he relishes the extra defensive duties that playing in the middle of the field places on him.

The massive hit he put on Warrington’s Kiwi international Bryson Goodwin in the recent friendly suggests he can more than hold his own in that department. With his versatility and combativeness, Johnstone is looking to put his shoulder to the wheel and he’s backing his side to improve considerably on last season’s 12th place finish.

He added: “What happened last season we just want to put behind us. We don’t want to be in the position again and hopefully this pre-season has laid some good foundations.

“We can definitely aim for a top-eight place this year.

“I think we saw the tip of the iceberg in the Warrington game with all those young lads. It’s only the start – we can push on and do well this year. One of the positives for me is that I can fill in anywhere. If there’s an injury in the halves, I can step in there if need be. I don’t mind the tackling in the middle – it’s one of the strengths of my game. Defending on the edge can be a bit boring!”

If the whole squad can take the same positive attitude into the new campaign as Johnstone, Widnes should not go far wrong.