Tom Johnstone Named Rob Burrow Award Winner

Rob Burrow Award winner Tom Johnsotne admits he "couldn't stop crying" after helping Wakefield Trinity make history. 

The England winger claimed the player of the match as the West Yorkshire club defeated Warrington Wolves 23-10 in their first-ever Betfred Super League Grand Final. 

It helped secure Wakefield's first championship glory since 1968 and sent thousands of fans into ecstasy. 

Johnstone, in his second spell at Trinity after returning from a two-year stint at Catalans Dragons in which he lost the 2023 Grand Final with Catalans Dragons, scored one try and set up another for Isaiah Vagana as his side romped into a 19-0 interval lead and they never looked back. 

Wakefield were in the Championship just two years ago and he said: "I can't quite believe it. 

"I keep crying. This club means everything to me. 

"I've been saying it for a long time, saying for years I always wanted to win a Grand Final for Wakefield. It's always been a pipedream - coming back to the club and doing that. 

"But I couldn't miss the opportunity. Some fans have supported them all their life and never won anything - but we've done it." 
Coach Daryl Powell, who took over Wakefield when they were relegated at the end of 2023, won the first Grand Final of his long career. 

Johnstone added: "He sold me the dream 

"He says we're a club with aspirations and who want to win things. 
“He said he was bringing Mike McMeeken, one of my best friends to the club, to try do it and we're here doing it. 

"I don't think we do it without the belief we have here. There's some incredible players carried us through this year and we built a foundation on belief and special players who all work for each other and believe in each other and this is what we earned." 
On winning the award in honour of Leeds Rhinos and Super League legend Rob Burrow, Johnstone added: I grew up as a Leeds lad when I was younger and watched Rob for so many years. 
“What an inspirational person he was, all the way. To do this I can’t tell you how much this means to me. My son only wants ot be a rugby league player. Hopeuflly he can follow his dad.” 

Johnstone claimed 21 votes for the player of the match award with team-mates Tyson Smoothy (9), McMeeken (4), Jake Trueman (2), Jack Sinfield (1), Max Jowitt (1), and Jazz Tevaga (1) also earning votes.