Ex-Tweed Heads Seagulls halfback Rex Johnson joins Bilambil Jets in Rugby League Gold Coast

Bilambil have signed proven halfback Rex Johnson in a major fillip for their 2019 Rugby League Gold Coast campaign.

BILAMBIL have signed proven halfback Rex Johnson in a major fillip for their 2019 Rugby League Gold Coast campaign.

The 29-year-old had been with Tweed Heads – who he made six Intrust Super Cup appearances for last year – for the first part of the pre-season before family matters took priority over training commitments.

FORMER TITANS FLYER RETURNS FROM NECK INJURY

When Jets coach Kevin Campion learned Johnson had stepped away from Piggabeen, he did not hesitate in trying to convince him to enjoy his footy a bit further south. Johnson was the No.7 for Campion’s Seagulls side that made the Rugby League Gold Coast decider last year.

“He was one of my best players last year and we were a totally different side without him – we were a better side with him,” Campion said.

Rex Johnson in action for Tweed Heads last year. Picture: SMP Images

“He is quality. He has played QCup and still could play QCup if he wanted to but there are other reasons for that.

MARQUEE TRIO LIFT TUGUN’S TITLE HOPES

“I’m really happy that he is on-board because he will make a difference to this club.”

Johnson confirmed he officially joined the Jets on Tuesday last week.

“I still haven’t put pen to paper but I have given them my word so I am not going to back out,” he said.

Bilambil have also added former Penrith under-20 hooker PJ Tevaga, while back-rower Kobi Hugen has joined from the Port Macquarie region.

Coming off a tough 2018 campaign in which they only beat cellar dwellers Ormeau, the club are taking a fitness-orientated approach that has been aided by Campion bringing in strength and conditioning guru Billy Johnstone for guest appearances.

Bilambil Jets coach Kevin Campion. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I’m not going to overcomplicate things,” Campion said.

“Players can be over-coached and that has a negative effect on them so we’re keeping it really simple this year and relying a lot on our fitness.

“We’re getting the boys doing a lot more fitness-based work at the moment so hopefully by the time we get to Round 1, the boys are chomping at the bit and ready to play.

“The boys are taking everything on-board at the moment which is good.”

Bilambil have locked in a trial against Tweed Coast Raiders that will double as a clash for the Justin Cullen Cup and are also exploring the option of pre-season matches against either Byron Bay or Cudgen.