02 April 2023 , 11:00
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Castleford Tigers have signed Hull KR second-row Luis Johnson on a season-long loan.
Ironically, the 24 year-old started his career at Wheldon Road but didn’t play a senior game. Warrington bought him when still a teenager in Castleford’s academy. He made nine first-team appearances at Wolves before moving to the Robins as part of a swap deal with Robbie Mulhern.
Johnson made his mark under Tony Smith in 2021 as KR got to within 80 minutes of Old Trafford. But he played just four times last season after seeing his campaign ruined by serious foot and pectoral injuries. The Leeds-born forward has yet to feature for Robins coach Willie Peters this term but is highly thought of.
Castleford remain with just one win this season after Saturday’s heartbreaking last-gasp 22-18 loss in Perpignan. Caretaker boss Andy Last has been wanting to strengthen and he said: “Luis will bring a bit of youthful exuberance. He’s someone we’ve identified as fitting that age profile that we’re looking at.
“Someone younger, fresher bodies, and a real desire to make their mark in Super League. He’s played a fair number of games already, and he’s only 24 years of age. He’s familiar with Castleford so he knows the environment and the club. He knows the importance of coming here and giving his best week in, week out. He went over to Warrington and played some good rugby there, played alongside some experienced players and learnt a great deal and then again at Hull KR. We’re looking forward to having him on board.”
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Johnson could make his debut in Thursday’s crucial derby with bottom-placed Wakefield Trinity who have also been recruiting loan deals of late. KR have a recall option after two weeks but only if they have significant injury issues. Last added: “Other teams have been looking in the market. We’ve been the same. Being able to pick someone up of his age and experience is great for us. He’ll improve the competition for places and get some guys looking over their shoulders. He’ll definitely add something to the dynamic of the group."
Hull KR's Luis Johnson has joined Castleford (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com) (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com/REX/Shutterstock)Johnson added: “It’s probably going to be a weird feeling. I was at Cas when I was 15 so it’s been eight or nine years. It will be good to go back and get some games under my belt. I’m looking forward to working with players like Paul McShane and Adam Milner and some old team-mates.
“I’ve played with Muizz Mustapha and Albert Vete so it’ll be good to be back with them. There’s a few others. I was with Alex Sutcliffe all the way through amateur rugby and I did the academy with Callum McLelland so there’s even more faces that I know so it should be an easy transition. Hopefully we can get some more wins under the belt and get rolling through the season.”