Powell says Johnstone 'was not fit' for Ashes

Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has questioned Shaun Wane's decision to select Tom Johnstone for the Ashes, saying the winger was operating at 65 per cent and had "hardly trained" before the series.

- by James O'Brien

HARDLY TRAINED': Wakefield Trinity's Tom Johnstone was an ever-present in England's series defeat to Australia.

The Trinity winger battled a troublesome hernia to represent England against Australia, the same issue that sidelined him for seven weeks in the closing stages of the Super League season.

Johnstone played all three Tests before undergoing surgery to fix the problem.

"I thought he did all right in the Ashes but I still think he's playing at 65 per cent," said Powell.

"My opinion was that I didn't think it was wise - and I've still got that opinion. I don't think it was handled great either, to be honest.