Tom Johnstone is a calculated transfer risk clubs are desperate to make but daren't

For many fans across Super League, the prospect of having Tom Johnstone wearing their club's colours is a mouth-watering one. Next year, that could very much become a reality. The Wakefield winger is off-contract at the end of the season and in less than three weeks will be free to speak to rival clubs about a move.

There is little doubting Johnstone's talent. Among the best finishers in world rugby, the speedster provides genuine x-factor and a serious threat whenever and wherever he touches the ball on the field. In recent years he has improved the defensive side of his game and his yardage has improved too.

But there is one almighty caveat that will be considered by potential suitors of the Wakefield ace, and that's his rotten injury record. Johnstone is only 26 but has already undergone two ACL reconstructions, concussion issues and various other injuries that have seriously hampered his career.

Rugby League on TV: Every game you can watch over Easter

Johnstone made his debut in 2015 and since the beginning of his career has averaged around 15 games per season. He has only made more than 20 appearances in any one year on two occasions due to his terribly unfortunate run of bad luck.

The dilemma facing clubs considering a move for Johnstone was perfectly illustrated in his most recent return from injury in Wakefield's win over Salford. Johnstone produced an individual display unlike many will have seen at Belle Vue that day. He scored two tries, created another and instigated another with a superb counterattack from within his own in-goal. But he was withdrawn at half-time after sustaining a back injury that resulted in him missing their Challenge Cup defeat to Wigan Warriors.

Unfortunately, signing Johnstone comes