Warrington's Luis Johnson eager for further first-team action

The 19-year-old England Academy international, a £45,000 signing from Castleford Tigers last month, got his first taste of action in primrose and blue in the annual festive friendly against Widnes Vikings.

He started the match in his accustomed second-row role but also spent time in the centres on the back of fellow new recruit Bryson Goodwin (concussed) and Toby King (facial cut) exiting play for spells.

“I think we all just needed to do a job at that time. I’ve not really played much centre, but I just had to do my job and do my best,” said Johnson, a former Oulton Raiders junior from Leeds.

“I’ll play anywhere the coach wants me to play if it gives me a chance.

“I think I was steady, blew off the cobwebs a bit because it’s been a while since I’ve played.

“I played a few pre-season friendlies at Cas but against Widnes that’s the longest I’ve played in a first team.

“And on that field (artificial) it was a lot faster – it always is on that pitch. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.

“I’m hoping to get some more minutes under my belt when we play against Rochdale (January 13). I’d like to try and be better with my overall game while in a fatigued state.

“As for the year ahead, Pricey was saying that if I show him what I’ve got there’s a chance I’ll get picked. So every week I will try and do my best to get a spot.”

Johnson featured in the 2017 Academy Grand Final for Cas and was player of the series for the England Academy side coached by Wire assistant Lee Briers in the following clashes with France.

His switch raised a few eyebrows in Yorkshire.

“I’m loving it here at the moment and everyone’s made me welcome,” he said.

“It’s a bit different, but in a good way.

“I’m travelling from Leeds at the moment, so I’m a bit tired, but the gym and everything feels a bit different.

“The days with the boys are a lot longer but I think it’s better because we’re all spending more time with each other.”