James Johnson joins brother at Eagles

10/11/2021

Sheffield Eagles have signed back-row/centre James Johnson on a one-year deal.

A former Huddersfield Giants Academy player, Johnson joins his brother Liam at the Eagles just two days after it was announced the Doncaster forward would make the switch across South Yorkshire.

Johnson will be looking to make his way into the Eagles side as he adds further depth across multiple positions.

Explaining his excitement after signing for the club, and how the move came about, he said: “I am over the moon,”

“It’s a great opportunity to get stuck in this year. I’m thankful for Tubbs and the whole staff.

“I’m looking to get back into the game, show what I can do and hopefully I can start getting people’s attention.

“I’m wanting to make an impact on the team as well as for my own personal growth.

“I got in touch with an agent, who put a few clips together and then arranged a meeting with a few clubs.

“Sheffield were interested, we teed up a coffee meeting and I signed.”

The 20-year-old also talked about how it has been an ambition to play alongside his brother and now that is something that could potentially take place in the Red and Gold during 2022.

“It is good as it’s always been like a dream of mine, as a kid, to play with my brother,” Johnson added.

“I’ve watched him go through the systems, playing for Sheffield and different clubs.

“It’s quite surreal really and I’ll have to get to grips playing with someone that I’ve always looked up to.

“It certainly does help knowing him and a few of the other boys as we go into pre-season.

“It’s a good setup and all the boys seem familiar.”

Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston explained the reason behind signing Johnson, saying: “It’s his hunger to be the best he can be,”

“When I met him, he had time away from the game as he needed to go out and make some money.

“One of the things with James, he’s got the hunger and desire. It’s something we always look for.

“The added bonus is that he is Liam’s brother.

“I think he has potential to be a very good player and we hope he can begin to reach that in the next 12 months.”