Still an uphill battle for Mitchel Johnson
- Russell Gould in Merimbula
- From: Herald Sun
- February 18, 2011 12:00AM
Mitchel Johnson still considers himself at the bottom of Melbourne Storm's pecking order for props.
Source: Herald Sun
MITCHEL Johnson still considers himself at the bottom of Melbourne Storm's pecking order for props, despite a best-on-ground performance in the club's opening trial.
Johnson earned high praise from the coaching staff and did himself plenty of favours in the six-way battle for a spot in Storm's Round 1 forward pack.
But the 20-year-old, who missed some of the pre-season after a shoulder reconstruction, said only a repeat effort against Canberra tomorrow night would help get him where he wants to go.
"I wasn't expecting to play as well as I did," Johnson said yesterday.
"Even after the game I didn't think I played that well, until later that night I sat back and thought about it and recognised I had a go, so I was happy.
"I definitely wasn't feeling fit. I was blowing after the first five minutes. A couple of defensive sets got me.
"But I felt like I was back where I should be; back playing footy after a long pre-season.
"I don't think I've moved (up the pecking order). It's only one game. I have to start playing consistently before I move up."
Johnson could prove another success story for Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who plucked him from Parramatta after a fallout with then Eels coach Daniel Anderson last year.
"I had been at Parra since I was 16 and I had a run-in with Daniel Anderson about this time last year," Johnson said.
"He basically told my manager to find somewhere else.
"He didn't think I could play first grade.
"I am much happier down here and Craig Bellamy has shown some faith in me."
The 110kg forward was a member of the first grade squad at Parra but took a step back to the under-20s to join Storm, which included a fair pay cut and a return to the workforce.
"I was unloading container ships three days a week, which was pretty hard work on top of training in the morning and afternoon," Johnson said.
Although he doesn't consider himself fiery, Johnson conceded he didn't like to take a step back when things got willing - something his new teammates saw last month.
Johnson traded punches with fellow new boy Adam Woolnough, another prop chasing a spot in the 17.
"It was a long day, a hot day, at the end of a 2 1/2-hour session," Johnson said.
"We both realise it was the wrong thing to do, but it was heat-of-the-moment.
"That's what front rowers do.
"We're tough, we don't like to give an inch.
"Later that night we had a front rowers' dinner.
"It's all blown over now."
2But the battle for spots isn't over, and that's why Johnson wants as many minutes as possible in the clash with the Raiders, who have one of the biggest packs in rugby league.
"I just want to get match fit," Johnson said.
2"I certainly don't have an expectation to be playing in Round 1, but it would be a good result if I was."
