Tom Johnstone says Catalans move helped him get rid of doubts over his career
TOM Johnstone swapped doubting whether rugby league was for him for ‘chilling’ by the beach and driving a ‘tin can’ on the other side of the road.
But ditching what he had always known for Catalans is bringing even more out of him as he prepares for the battle of Super League’s top try scorers.
The winger admits his troubles at Wakefield, suffering several major injuries and experiencing the worries of playing for a side normally at the bottom of the table, took their toll.
Now after making the move to Perpignan, where he sits top of the table and top of the try tree with 18, he is wondering why he did not do it sooner.
And the adjustment has been so big, setting off on the roads he grew up around is a strange experience.
“There was a time when I wasn’t enjoying my rugby and I had doubts whether it’s something I want to continue with,” admitted Johnstone.
“But I really feel I’m a better player now. Outside of rugby, that happiness and lifestyle just fits and I’m enjoying it again.
“And the coaching has helped me with areas of my game. The staff put a lot of faith in me and that’s really paying off. I feel like I’m playing the best rugby I’ve ever played – but there’s still a lot of improvement in there.
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“We already have a Citroen car, while the little tin can I drive to training is great and it didn’t take long to adjust to the left-hand drive at all. Going around roundabouts actually feels easier.
“I was back in England for my brother’s wedding recently and drove a car. I was like, ‘This doesn’t feel normal!’”
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Johnstone’s introduction to life in France was fraught. He left England on his own, came back to get married, went across the Channel again, only to return for another ceremony.
It also cost him a few quid as French bulldog Vinnie – named after Vinnie Jones – came with them – they are now debating now he is in France, whether he is simply a bulldog!
And a settled off-field life, he is able to head to the beach with team-mates, means he is a bigger force on the field.
“I was excited and nervous ahead of the move but it’s been great,” Johnstone added. “It’s been amazing, once we got here and settled, I’ve no complaints - other than the wind can be a bit made in winter.
“We had to get checks and a passport for Vinnie, who’s now been joined by an Australian Shepherd. It wasn’t cheap but my missus couldn’t be without him, neither could I.
“And now we’re in France, we’ve had the debate over whether he is now just a bulldog. I’m not sure.
“But life itself and my rugby’s going really well. I’m thinking, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ We’ve had chats about that and Leah’s big on the saying everything happens for a reason.
“She was like, ‘You had to stay there for that long and go through what you went through for this to become available.’ A couple of things came up before but injuries got in the way!”
While Johnstone is chilled, the heat is rising as Steve McNamara’s men sit at the Super League summit ahead of taking on third place Leigh.
That sees the 27-year-old square off with Leopards star Josh Charnley, who has also scored 18 tries – but he is not getting caught up in competition.
He is more concerned about temperatures being expected to hover around 31 degrees – more than enough for the England hopeful.
But he will not wilt against a side whose success after being promoted has come as no surprise, although the experience of being a Catalans player has.
“The thought of this game being first v third didn’t run through my head,” Johnstone told SunSport. “But when we played them early on, I said to my missus, ‘I tell you what, they’re physical. They’ll win a lot of games.’
“And I’m not surprised Josh is up there with me in terms of try scoring. He’s a great winger and their left edge is important for them.
“For me, though, it’s more of a battle of staying in the pitch. The tries are great but just doing my job is most important.
“I was told how much everyone loves it here but since coming, it’s amazing. A matchday is like nothing I’d ever experienced.
“And when you wander about, all you can see is Catalans Dragons signs. It’s great, there’s a real buzz about the place. It’s a great place to be, especially when you’re winning.
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“It’s a bit too hot at times. I’ve got to cool off – but the lads at training say it’s not even hit yet. When it was in the mid-20s, I was like, ‘It’s getting hot here.’ They were like, ‘Wait until it gets to 40.’
“I’m all right at 30 thank you!”