There's no place like home

Fan favourite, Tom Johnstone, has returned to Wakefield Trinity for 2025 – the place where it all began for the now 29-year-old.

Between 2015 and 2022, a true Trinity talent was born - with Johnstone making 115 appearances in the Red, White & Blue scoring a staggering 87 tries.

Air Johnstone is at it again ?‍?? @TomJohnstone01 & @WTrinityRL #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/qi3HuPqrb9

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 7, 2020

Establishing himself as one of the most sought-after wingers in Super League with his electric pace and flying finishes, Catalans Dragons came calling, and Johnstone made the switch to the south of France where he has since spent the last two seasons.

But fast forward to 2025 and he is back at Belle Vue for Wakefield’s eagerly anticipated return to Super League, and spoke on how it is a very positive time at the club:

“I’m really enjoying it,” Johnstone said.

“It’s great to be back – the club’s made a lot of changes and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it.

“We have a great bunch of boys and coaches and everyone is getting on great and things are going in the right direction.”

Be flying in no time! #UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/WNDZ9xgITP

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) December 19, 2024

Heading home from a scorching Perpignan, Johnstone admitted it has been challenging adapting to the weather conditions once again, but it feels like he’s never really been away from West Yorkshire:

“It’s been tough adapting to the weather again – it’s been pretty cold recently but I’m really enjoying being back home. This club means a lot to me.

“A big deciding factor in signing again was based on life outside of rugby. For me it was my family and being back around them to raise to my kids – and just being back around my siblings and my parents too.

“Then on top of that, I had a good chat with Wakefield, and they showed me all the changes they have made and how they wanted me on board. I knew then that I wanted to be involved.

“From day one when I came back to the club, it felt like home to me. I’ve loved every minute of it. I travel in with Max [Jowitt] every day – I’m back with one of my best friends and I’m loving it. It feels like no time has passed.”

And although Johnstone has been living it up in a different country, his beloved Trinity have never been far away from his thoughts:

“I followed Wakefield quite heavily, especially last year when they were in the Championship.

“I followed them a bit in my first year at Catalans and we obviously played them a few times. But last year, I came to a couple of games, followed all the results and went to the Grand Final to watch them get promoted.

“I’ve been really close with it all.”

"WOW, WOW, WOW" ?@TomJohnstone01 makes his return to @WTrinityRL with a trip to AMT Headingley against the Rhinos in 2025 Round 1 ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/to62M8JDn0

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 20, 2024

A broken leg would cut Johnstone’s season frustratingly short last year, but the Wakefield winger is in high spirits ahead of Round 1 and is hopeful of making his second debut when his side travel to face rivals Leeds Rhinos:

“We’re just at the end of the injury now. It’s been a long process, and I had a few mishaps at the start which did prolong it a bit, but these things happen.

“I can’t wait for Round 1; Headingley’s going to be a pretty special atmosphere to start the season.

“It might only Round 1 but it’ll feel like a Grand Final. There’ll be a big crowd with two passionate sets of fans and I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be a good tester to see where we’re at with the season ahead.”

2023 was arguably the best year of Johnstone’s career to date. As Super League’s leading try scorer along with Wigan’s Abbas Miski on 27 tries, Johnstone went on to play in his maiden Grand Final with the Dragons and earned a spot in the coveted Dream Team. This was before featuring in all three of England whitewashes against Tonga.

.@TomJohnstone01 is having some season! ?#SuperLeague #SLCatWak pic.twitter.com/t3T4kZRXmn

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 26, 2023

Johnstone is hoping he can replicate some of that year’s success at Trinity his next four seasons there:

“A big one for me is playing and mirroring that of 2023 where I’m playing 20+ games, playing for England again – and then there was the Dream Team appearance and things like that.

“That would be a successful year for me, and I want to make sure I’m pushing myself as hard as I can.”

Trinity only have three Play-Off campaigns to show for their time at top level (not including the Super 8s), but Johnstone was a pivotal part in securing back-to-back fifth-placed finishes with the club in 2017 and 2018 – fifth being their highest Super League finish on record.

And as the club aims to reach new heights in a new era, this is something Johnstone is striving for:

“I’d love us to be pushing for a Play-Off spot and playing in those big games and bringing a bit of credibility back to Wakefield after all these years.

“Collectively, we want to be pushing for that top six. Our fans and the club deserve to see and do something special.”

Will you be following Johnstone and Trinity in 2025?

Watch Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 15 February, live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+ (K.O. 3pm).

Tickets are available for this fixture here and from both official club shops.