Catalans Dragons winger Tom Johnstone has updated fans after suffering an injury scare in their Super League victory at the weekend.
Early on in the second half of Catalans’ 14-8 win over St Helens on Saturday, the winger collided with his own player, Tariq Sims, when attempting to tackle Jack Welsby near the sideline.
After this, he was seen lying flat on the ground, not moving, causing many fans to be worried for his condition.
However, Johnstone himself provided an update, posting on X, formerly Twitter: “I’m not dead.
“Thanks to the boys for stopping the game and the medical staff for looking after me.
“Just a headache last night, feeling good today. Some win from the boys”
Credit: Imago Images
During the game, the referee didn’t stop the game immediately, and St Helens initially played on while the winger was lying motionless on the ground.
Johnstone, unsurprisingly, failed his HIA and did not return for the closing stages of the game.
Fans of Els Dracs will be hoping he isn’t facing a long time out, as they’re flying high at the top of the table, and will want to keep the good form up in the coming weeks.
Catalans’s next game is home, against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup, on Saturday 13 April.
Their next Super League fixture is another home game, against Hull KR on Saturday 20 April, at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Tom Johnstone’s injury woes
Credit: Imago Images
The winger has had plenty of injury concerns over his career.
In April 2017, he suffered an ACL injury that kept him out of action until the following April.
In March 2019, he then had to undergo major knee surgery again – the second time in two years – after rupturing his ACL, keeping him out of the rest of the year.
In 2021, playing for Wakefield Trinity, he suffered concussions in back-to-back games, ruling him out of two months of the season.
In 2022, his season, and time playing for Wakefield, was cut short after a groin injury in July ruled him out for the rest of the year, following surgery.
He then signed for Catalans Dragons for the following season, where he managed to remain injury-free and featured in every game of their season.
Speaking to Sky Sports just over a year ago, he revealed that concussion scares made him contemplate retirement, and will be hoping that this is the last of his head injuries.
