Newcastle add former Super League winger

Newcastle Thunder have secured another former Super League for 2021 in the shape of ex-Warrington winger Jack Johnson.

The 24-year-old arrives on Tyneside from Widnes Vikings, having originally signed for Ottawa Aces for next season before their entry deferral until the following year.

A product of the Wolves’ youth setup, Johnson made his Super League debut aged just 19 in a 46-16 win over Hull FC in 2015, going on to make 18 appearances for the Wire.

“Thunder is a club that I’ve been interested in for some time,” said Johnson. “It’s got exciting ambitions and the direction it is looking to take is really appealing.

“I know Denis well from when I played for him at Widnes  and have kept in contact with him since then, which has made coming to Newcastle the right opportunity and the right time. I can’t wait to get going. It’s been such a weird year for everybody and I think everyone is going to be eager to get back.

“I’m excited by who I’m going to be playing with next year and gelling well with them. We’ve got some good combos there and we’re all fairly young, so there is scope for us to grow and develop as a really good team and to do that as the club does as well.”

Thunder boss Denis Betts added: “Jack is a fantastic player and really impressed me when I brought him in at Widnes. He is dynamic, with great footwork and is strong under the high ball and he is a player that is really going to excite our fans.

“He is an excellent character and is going to play an important role for us next season.

He joins Castleford fullback Calum Turner and young Wigan forward Nathan Wilde in moving to the North East in 2021.