Tom Johnstone talks about his reasons for leaving the Catalans for Championship side Wakefield Trinity

England star Tom Johnstone says he can’t wait to start bringing silverware back to Wakefield after joining the club on a four-year deal.

The Catalans’ prolific winger, 28, will return to Trinity at the end of the season with his much-heralded move finally confirmed. The French club revealed yesterday that the Dream Team player, established as one of Super League’s leading talents, turned down a substantial pay rise and top scorer status when he rejected their offer of a new deal. And Wakefield tonight announced they have secured the brilliant player for a return to Belle Vue.

Although they are currently still in the Championship after last year’s relegation, new millionaire owner Matt Ellis has pumped in a lot of money to start improving them in all aspects on and off the pitch. Daryl Powell’s side are the runaway Championship leaders, reached the 1895 Cup final at Wembley and tick a lot of boxes when it comes to IMG’s scoring system.

They expect to regain their place in Super League in 2025 and have already secured Mike McMeeken from the Catalans for next season in a big statement of their ambitions. Convincing Johnstone, who scored 87 tries in 115 games for the first time, to return illustrates how serious they are.

Last year he enjoyed a superb inaugural season at Perpignan, scoring 28 tries in just 29 games, taking them to the Grand Final and regaining his place in England after a five-year absence, playing in the series win against Tonga . Johnstone has scored five tries in 11 games this time around and Catalans boss Steve McNamara was desperate to keep hold of him amid plenty of interest from around the sport. But Johnstone claimed: “I am delighted to be returning to Wakefield Trinity next year.

“The club means a lot to me and I’ve watched everything over the last 12 months and since Matt took over the club. It’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved. I really believe the club is building something special. When my wife and I decided we wanted let’s go back home to England I talked to Powelly, Matt and Millsy.

“I liked the ambition and the direction the club was going and I knew I had to be a part of it. I have many bright memories over the years and I know how passionate the fans are. I am hopeful that when I return I can help create more and bring success to this proud and historic club.”

Wakefield regularly struggled for survival in his first spell, but it is hoped he could become one of Super League’s great players in years to come. Head coach Powell was delighted: “This is the second international player announcement following Mike McMeekan. It shows a clear trajectory for the club in terms of recruiting high quality players at the top of their games.

“Tom is one of the best insiders in the game and we are excited to bring him back to help us move towards our collective goals. He is strong, fast and a world-class finisher. I look forward to working with him in the next few years.”

Recruiting Manager Ste Mills added: “We are delighted to secure another huge signing for Wakefield Trinity. Tom will be another world-class signing for the club. His reputation has grown over the past two years to be the best winger in Super League. Tom will add a lot of quality to our squad and it’s huge news to land another one of our key targets alongside Mike McMeeken. We are delighted to have brought him home.”