Wigan Warriors' plan to shackle wing ace Tom Johnstone

Hooker Sam Powell believes disrupting the supply feed to wing star Tom Johnstone will be crucial if they are to nullify his threat.
Tom Johnstone goes in for a try against Leeds last weekend. Picture: SWPixTom Johnstone goes in for a try against Leeds last weekend. Picture: SWPix
Tom Johnstone goes in for a try against Leeds last weekend. Picture: SWPix

The 25-year-old flyer made a scorching start to this Super League campaign with two long-range tries in defeat against Leeds.

Not surprisingly, Wigan have identified him as one of Trinity's key threats in tomorrow's televised clash at St Helens (kick-off 6pm).

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But Powell says trying to keep Johnstone quiet is not just the responsibility of his opposite winger, likely to be teenager Umyla Hanley or utility Jake Bibby - but of the whole team.

"Tom is exciting, he's lightning," said Powell. "He's lighting up Super League and players like that are why watch the game. I wish him all the best - I just hope he doesn't go that well this week!

"It's something we attack as a team because one-on-one he's very dangerous. We have to stay connected as a D line and stick to our processes.

"The threat is they get the ball to him early, but we have good young prospects. Umyla didn't put a foot wrong against Leigh, Jake Bibby was brilliant again, so they're up against two decent wingers who have a lot of experience inside them and as a unit, we need to stay connected."

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Trinity, coached by Adrian Lam's ex-Wigan teammate Chris Chester, went down 28-22 to the Rhinos despite Johnstone's double.

"He's an enigma for them and for Super League," said Lam.

"He scored a great try at the weekend which showed what he can do it you're one millimetre out.

"We'll try and do our best to nullify him, they've got some really good outside backs - some of the best in the competition, I think."