Tom Johnstone scooped this year’s Rob Burrow Award after an overwhelming number of nominations following his efforts in Wakefield Trinity’s Super League Grand Final win over Warrington Wolves.
Awarded to the best player in the Old Trafford event, the winger helped his side to a 23-10 victory, as Wakefield became only the sixth side in the summer era to put their name on the trophy.
Johnstone was one of many standouts in the Wakefield side, and that is highlighted by a total of seven Trinity players picking up nominations.
Having almost scored the opening try of the game just six minutes in, the England hopeful would eventually get over for a score in the 59th minute thanks to a great offload from Max Jowitt.
Carrying incredibly well from the back field, both he and centre partner Corey Hall were at their destructive best, though that partnership was halted for 10 minutes with Hall going to the sin bin after a high tackle.
A total of 39 votes were cast, with members of the rugby league media each getting a say. Johnstone collected 21 of those votes, which is a percentage of 54%.
Hooker Tyson Smoothy came next with 23% of the vote. His 40/20 in the 17th minute turned the game further in Wakefield’s way, whilst his control from the ruck was again pivotal to Trinity’s success.
Skipper Mike McMeeken, who played the full 80 minutes following a switch to the back row, scored four of the 39 votes, whilst Jake Trueman landed two nominations. Jack Sinfield, Max Jowitt and Jazz Tevaga all scored one.
Johnstone spoke to Sky Sports after receiving his trophy, saying: “It’s just such a special club, and I’m just so happy. It’s been the longest week of my life, and just to get out there and get it done, I don’t know what to say.
“This club means everything to me, I’ve been saying it for a long time now.
“I’ve been saying for years that all I want to do is win a Grand Final for Wakefield, and it’s always been a big dream in the last 10 years or so. Coming back to the club, that’s what I wanted to do, and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to do it.
“There’s some fans there who have waited for all their life that have never seen anything, so, yeah, we’ve done it.”
Johnstone also spoke on how special it was to win the award named after Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, stating: “I grew up as a Leeds lad and watched Rob for so many years so to get an award in his name, I can’t tell you how special it is.”
2026 Rob Burrow Award voting breakdown
Tom Johnstone – 21
Tyson Smoothy – 9
Mike McMeeken – 4
Jake Trueman – 2
Jack Sinfield, Max Jowitt, Jazz Tevaga – 1
