WATCH - Wakefield 34 Catalans Dragons 22: Johnstone hat-trick powers Trinity to victory

The Wakefield Trinity winger secured his third treble of the season last night to help underpin his club’s win over Challenge Cup victors Catalans Dragons in a fiery encounter.

With his mix of power, pace and no little dexterity, the 23-year-old showed just why he is in contention for an England debut.

That said, the 23-year-old left Belle Vue nursing a worrying cheekbone injury after a collision late on with Sam Moa. Wakefield coach Chris Chester hopes it is not season-ending but they are awaiting further checks.

Last night’s haul took Johnstone to 24 Super League tries for the season, level with the competition’s leading scorer Ben Barba, and Catalans had no answer.

In the final exchanges, tempers frayed on more than one occassion with ex-Wakefield prop Mika Simon and Trinity captain Jacob Miller red-carded in the 77th minute after the second brawl of the evening.

That occurred just moments after Wakefield prop Craig Huby had returned from the sin-bin, his dangerous tackle causing the first flare-up.

Even after the final hooter, heated players still had to be dragged apart as referee Scott Mikalauskas struggled to keep any control.

But Wakefield – who rise up to fifth – had stamped their authority over the game long before those ugly final scences.

Indeed, when Johnstone climbed high to claim Miller’s kick and touch down for his third in the 49th minute, Chester’s side had already eased 34-12 clear.

That meant, even following David Mead’s response and – after Huby’s yellow card – Brayden Williame crossed again for the French visitors, there was never really any fear of them losing.

Three quickfire tries in just nine minutes before the break helped turn the game.

Trinity were clinical during that period and created some classy play, not least from Johnstone. He did well to stoop low and gather Miller’s long pass but still had work to do, diving over almost in the same movement to squeeze in at the corner.