Hat-trick hero Tom Johnstone was given a ringing endorsement for an England recall as classy Catalans surged to the top of Super League.
The prolific winger was too hot to handle for woeful Wigan as Steve McNamara’s side ripped them to shreds at Magic Weekend. He has endured some horrendous luck in his career including two ACLs and a long spell when he hardly played a game due to worrying concussions. But each time the popular 27-year-old has bounced back and he’s enjoyed a new lease of life since leaving Wakefield for the south of France last autumn.
He has now scored 17 tries in 15 games for rampant Les Dracs - this was his third treble - who were 46-8 ahead even before the hour mark at St James’ Park. Johnstone scored a hat-trick on his England debut against France in 2018 but hasn’t represented his country since. If he can stay fit, that will surely be corrected against Tonga later this year.
