$500,654 Million Long Anticipated Key Player Is Now In The Rugby Custody…
The 24-year-old Johnson began his career with the Tigers, going through the youth system before playing for Warrington Wolves and Hull KR.
In 2023, he went back to Cas on loan, but Hull KR, his parent club, called him back, ending his stint.
Johnson, who is no longer under contract, has spent the last month on trial with the team and has now signed a contract that will keep him at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for the upcoming 12 months.
The player feels he has demonstrated his willingness during the Cas preseason and is eager to capitalize on his most recent opportunity with the Tigers.
When he heard there would be a trial and a potential deal at the end, he threw himself into it and ended up landing a one-year deal. He said, “I’m buzzing to be here.”
“Every week, I talk to Craig Lingard and Danny Wilson about how I’m doing, and they seem content with me, so that makes me happy.
Even though my performance wasn’t the best when I returned to the academy the previous year, I still had a great time performing in front of the Cas supporters.
“Playing on the bounce for a few weeks helped me become more game-ready, which I will be next season. I had gone about three months without a game when I came to Cas, so I was blowing a few cobwebs off.”
Having secured another option for 2024, head coach Lingard is happy with what he has seen of Johnson during his trial with the team.
He gave an explanation, saying, “He’s been good since he’s come in. We’ve talked about bringing the age category down, and he fits that. His energy and enthusiasm are the attributes he’s brought since he’s been in.”
He can defend and is a striker on the edge, and the things he has done for us have been exceptional.
He will be one of four or five back rowers, and if he wants to play, he needs to stand out and draw the attention of the coaching staff so that we don’t overlook him. It’s good that he’s beginning to speak up on the field.
“He fits the profile of the players that we’ve got and they’re all in that same boat and they’re all looking to put their stamp on their career at the stage they are.
“We’ve got a lot of people now in their 2’s who haven’t cemented that place in Super League and we’ve got a lot of people trying to do that and it’s a real good opportunity.”
Director of rugby operations Danny Wilson explained how the investment from new director Martin Jepson allowed the club to sign Johnson.
He said: “We’re really happy to get the deal done for Luis, he’s a great kid and we saw bits of that in him last year when he was at the club and ultimately, he’s a product of the system, he came through Cas’ academy back in the day through a good system then.
“We’re really pleased to have him and for him to come back. I think one of the most pleasing things is that he was thankful for the opportunity we gave him and that speaks a lot of him as a person but not only that but how much he wants to be a part of Castleford Tigers and what we’re trying to build going forward. That’s quite significant for us and shows the type of player we’re trying to bring in and he ticks that box.
The coaching staff is thrilled with him and the way he’s assimilated and bonded with the group.
“Having that spending limit and flexibility when signing players is challenging. This represents our direction, and we are extremely appreciative of Martin Jepson’s contribution, which allowed us to close this deal.
“It was really beneficial, and we’re excited to see what Luis can do for the team in the years to come.”