Coming from a rich sporting background, Queenslander Sam Johnstone is set for a big year of development in Redfern.
Background
Queensland firebrand Johnstone made the move from his hometown of Mackay to join up with the South Sydney under 18s SG Ball team.
His family are no strangers to the professional sporting arena either with his mother Pam qualifying for the Commonwealth Games training squad for swimming at just 16 years of age.
Sam’s cousin is one of the captains of the under 25s Australian shooting team who will be competing at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Sam Johnstone“First grade is the ultimate goal. Realistically I’ll just have a good season in NSW Cup and see how I go. If Seibs calls on me that would be great.”
Career
In 2015, Johnstone featured in the South Sydney under 18s SG Ball team under Matt King, before progressing onto the under 20s side during 2016-2017.
Despite not featuring in any games in 2016 through injury, Johnstone went on to play all 24 games last year and cemented himself as one of the premier props in the youth competition.
Style
As tough as nails with the physique to match it with the best, Johnstone brings a work rate that’s second to none. At just 19 years of age and already weighing 116kg, he is able to get the team rolling forward from any position on the field.
Head Coach Anthony Seibold“His progression to our full time squad in 2018 is reward for his hard work and we’re really keen to see his development both physically and in his game awareness over the next three years.”
How he fits into the squad
Following an impressive season in the Under 20s, Johnstone is destined to cut his teeth in the NSW Cup side in 2018, however, a successful transition could see the young prop granted a first grade debut.
General Manager of Football Shane Richardson“Sam Johnstone is a young prop, a big bodied player who works really hard. Unfortunately, broke his thumb in pre-season. We’re expecting big things from Sam next for North Sydney.”
