Johnstone joins Hull FC

9 Aug 2019

Johnstone joins Hull FC

Jordan Johnstone joins Hull FC from Widnes Vikings

The 22-year old will make the move to the KCOM Stadium from the start of the 2020 campaign, with the deal seeing him remain at the club until the end of the 2023 Betfred Super League season after turning down opportunities elsewhere in Super League.

Impressive in defence, as well as possessing a strong running and kicking games, Johnstone becomes the Black & Whites sixth signing ahead of 2020, with NRL recruits Mahe Fonua, Manu Ma’u and Tevita Satae already confirmed, as well as domestic recruits Josh Jones and Adam Swift. 

Born and raised in Cumbria, Johnstone began his career with amateur club Kells as a junior, before becoming part of the Cumbria Storm Academy. After initially joining Widnes in 2014, he would make his senior debut for home-town club Whitehaven whilst on loan in 2015.

Returning to the Vikings in 2016, Johnstone would go on to make his Super League debut later than season. A regular feature throughout the 2017 and 2018 season, the youngster also earned valuable first-team experience for the side in the Challenge Cup.

Johnstone has been a key asset for the Vikings during their Betfred Championship campaign under Kieron Purtill acting as their first choice hooker as the side aim to return to the top division.

Speaking on the decision to make the move to the club, Johnstone said: “I’m buzzing to be heading to Hull and become part of this club. I’m grateful for the opportunity to come to a massive club like this, and I just can’t wait to get started in pre-season.

“I’ve played in Super League before with Widnes and spent a full season with them in the Championship too , which personally I believe has put me in a strong position to make the step back up next year with plenty of game time under my belt.??

Johnstone explained he is relishing the opportunity to learn from and train with club captain and former Man of Steel winner Danny Houghton.

“It’s one of the main reasons I’ve decided to join Hull. I spoke to Lee Radford about how excited I am to come over and learn from Danny and train together.

“You can see from the way he plays how much representing this club means to him, and he has helped set that positive culture here. I’m definitely here to buy into that and it will help take my game to the next level.??

Speaking on the move, Lee Radford added: “We’ve watched Jordan over the last couple of seasons and first approached him 12 months ago, but we couldn’t get him over the line at that stage. It arose again recently and I’m glad to have him over the line.

“He’s a tough competitor and I think he’ll work well in our environment.

“He has some utility value too which will help add to the squad. I’m impressed with his attitude and his drive to take his game to the next level. In our surroundings he’ll thrive with that positive attitude.

“When we first spoke over a year ago, the big selling point for him to join the club was to work under Danny Houghton and learn as much from him as he possibly can from him.??