Tom Johnstone set for latest injury lay-off in new blow for Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity boss Willie Poching is unsure of how long England winger Tom Johnstone will be out of action. Johnstone, a late withdrawal for Sunday’s 20-14 loss in Toulouse with a groin issue, has not been included in the 21-man squad for Friday’s crucial derby at Leeds Rhinos.

The 26-year-old is expected to join Catalans Dragons in 2023. Poching, whose side now sit just two points above bottom-placed Toulouse, said: “We tried to give him as much time to play after he hurt himself in training.

“He’s been for some scans and we’ve had a look. He won’t be ready this week. We’re hoping the talent he is he’ll be ready and fit again especially with the Cup final break.”

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Asked if it’s not too big a worry, the coach replied: “Not right now. We’re still waiting for a little bit more investigation and hopefully we’ll get an answer.”

However, captain and stand-off Jacob Miler does return after missing the France trip through suspension and ex-Warrington winger Tom Lineham is in the squad for the first time since suffering a knee injury early in the campaign.

On Miller, Poching said: “It’s a really big boost. He's our director, he’s the voice in the dressing room and in our meetings and is the leader who commands the presence of a leader.

“He gave us some direction in training today and it’s a big confidence boost to have his leadership and talent. Tom has got a chance. He played reserve grade against Warrington last week. That was his first hit-out for a while since hurting his knee. He did about 60 minutes last week and it’ll do him the world of good to get that under his belt.”

And prop Rob Butler, Wakefield’s recent signing from Warrington, could