Wakefield Trinity star Tom Johnstone admits - 'I knew it would come off'

The England international has scored five tries so far this season but turned creator with a clever kick infield for Alex Walker during Friday’s fraught 17-14 Challenge Cup win over part-timers Bradford Bulls.

It was a rare moment of precision from Chris Chester's side after winger Bill Tupou switched back to his more traditional left centre slot to produce a wonderful flick pass on the last tackle to set Johnstone in motion.

“I was pretty surprised Bill got moved across,” explained Johnstone.

“But as soon as he got the ball and got on the outside I knew exactly what he was going to do.

“As soon as he flicked the ball I thought ‘yeah’.

“We always run a few plays the day before in the team run.

“And I always pretend to kick the ball inside for someone and say ‘it’s going to come off some day’.

“I kicked it and luckily it bounced straight into Alex’s hands and he went under the sticks. So it paid off.”

That said, the 24-year-old conceded Trinity were well below par and they must improve whenever they do get to take to the field again.

“We are happy we are through, but it wasn’t good enough,” Johnstone conceded.

“We got out-enthused; they came out really well and they stuck to it the whole game.

“Luckily two breaks against the run of play got us over the line and got us into the draw.”

The sixth round draw takes place this evening.