Johnson in love with Super League
7:50am Tuesday 19th August 2008
Latecomer Richard Johnson is savouring life as a Super League player.
The Bulls part-timer made his second consecutive appearance in Sunday’s win over Hull, having debuted against Leeds a week earlier.
Aged 22, he has taken his time reaching the top flight but admits the experience is everything he hoped for.
“I’ve loved it all,” said Johnson, who won his belated chance following the club’s injury problems.
“Playing at Headingley on my debut was a massive achievement for me and it doesn’t get much of a bigger stage than that.
“It was great getting another match against Hull and everything about Super League is just what I expected – how much faster, stronger and more physical you need to be than in the Academy.
“I think I’ve handled it well though and with these injuries I’m just taking whatever I can.”
The centre has come off the bench to play wing and full back and has not looked out of place.
Johnson now seems set for an extended spell in the side with the Reserve Grade skipper suddenly contemplating featuring in the Super League play-offs.
“It’s exciting to hear all the players talking about that and then knowing I could now be part of it in my first Super League season,” he said.
“But we’ve got a massive clash against Hull KR on Monday to make sure we get there and it’s a must-win match.”
Meanwhile, Johnson hopes to impress enough to secure a contract for next season, admitting his joinery work has been put on hold for the foreseeable future.