 Johnson missed the last Tri-Nations Series because of injury |
New Warrington signing Paul Johnson is confident the Wolves can challenge for Super League honours this season. The former Wigan and Bradford centre or second row was one of three big signings made by coach Paul Cullen for the 2007 campaign.
"Warrington are an ambitious club and they are definitely on the up," the 28-year-old Johnson told BBC Sport.
"They have been on the fringes of success for the last two seasons and it is finally their time to win a trophy."
Johnson moved to the Wolves after enjoying mixed fortunes at Odsal, helping Bradford to Grand Final victory over Leeds in 2005.
But an injury-affected campaign last season restricted him to just 11 appearances and cost him a place in the Great Britain Tri-Nations squad.
 | Wigan were interested in re-signing me but I thought Warrington was a better option for me and gave me a new challenge |
Now he is keen to put aside those disappointments and, together with fellow new signings Vinnie Anderson and Adrian Morley, will be hoping to make a big impact at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
"I had a tough season last year but I was really glad to sign for Warrington and I'm looking forward to the coming season," said Johnson.
"It wasn't a difficult decision to leave Bradford. Wigan were interested in re-signing me but I thought Warrington was a better option for me and gave me a new challenge.
"If I was their only signing for the new season I would be worried about whether I had made the right move or not, but with the players that they have signed it is looking good.
 Morley's arrival will give the Warrington pack added punch |
"I've played with Adrian Morley at international level and he is a great player while Vinnie Anderson is another top professional.
"I worked under Paul Cullen once a few years ago when I played for Lancashire against Yorkshire.
"He is a good coach and is Warrington through and through. He just wants the club to succeed."
The Wolves made a major breakthrough last season, beating Leeds in the play-offs before losing to Bradford the following week.
Now Johnson is confident his new club can build on that achievement in 2007.
| Warrington are not a million miles away from winning a trophy |
"St Helens are the top team in Super League but I definitely think Warrington can challenge them," he said.
"The difference between winning and finishing third or fourth is so small. Sometimes it's the little things you do in training that make the difference.
"Warrington are not a million miles away from winning a trophy and they just have to continue progressing the way they have been to challenge week in and week out.
"But the team has got to start the season well because that is what cost them the chance of success last year."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
