Leeds Rhinos' Johnson hoping for England whitewash

ENGLAND ACADEMY hooker Corey Johnson says their stunning triumph over the Australian Schoolboys still 'hasn't sunk in' yet.
Leeds Rhinos' Corey Johnson.Leeds Rhinos' Corey Johnson.
Leeds Rhinos' Corey Johnson.

The Leeds Rhinos player helped the youngsters to a famous 14-8 victory over their revered international foes on Saturday.

They will attempt to complete a 2-0 series whitewash – achieved just once before, in 2002 – when the sides meet again at Emerald Headingley on Friday.

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“It hasn’t really sunk in yet; to defeat Australia is a massive achievement,” said Johnson.

“They were very strong, a big physical squad and some of their middles were huge compared to us.

“However, I thought our middles matched them well.

“Harry Smith kicked very well and we were able to build pressure on their full-back.

“They will be even tougher for us this week and desperate to try to get one over us at Emerald Headingley on Friday.”

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Johnson, who only signed for Rhinos from Castleford amateurs Lock Lane 12 months ago, added: “It will be unreal to be stood there singing the national anthem at my home ground.

“Hopefully I will get picked and to do it again would be amazing.

“It has been a great year for me personally.

“I was able to get some game-time with the Under-19s early in the season when our skipper Harvey Whiteley was injured, which meant I had to do big minutes and that has helped me massively.”

Johnson missed just two games all season after converting from a half-back to hooker, running in 14 tries in 24 appearances, form that saw him sign a new deal in July that runs until the end of 2022.