Red outcast Lloyd Johnansson to resurrect career in Italy
Peter Badel
May 18, 2008 12:00am
LLOYD Johansson played for the Wallabies before his 21st birthday and scored with his second touch in the Test arena. But now his future is all but over.
The out-of-favour Reds centre has opted to resurrect his career in Italy.
Johansson's Gold Coast Breakers club coach John Boe said his charge's impending departure was a sad footnote to a career that oozed potential when Johansson made his Wallabies debut at 20.
But Johansson's struggles this season ? he has not appeared in a single minute of Super 14 action ? convinced the 106kg wrecking ball it was time for an offshore challenge.
Much has been made of the host of stars being lost to Queensland rugby at season's end, headed by David Croft, Clinton Schifcofske, Chris Latham, Rodney Blake, Sam Cordingley and Stephen Moore.
Johansson's name has barely rated a mention in the exodus, but Boe said the 23-year-old's loss was one Australian rugby could ill-afford.
"I just think from an Australian rugby point of view, it's a shame we're losing a guy of his talent," Boe said.
"Lloyd is still so young and physically talented. I would love to see him get back to the Wallabies but I don't know if that will be the case.
"We've already seen a few Queensland guys lost to the Reds and achieve success elsewhere but it's just very disappointing to think a guy of Lloyd's age and ability decides he wants to go elsewhere.
"If you go to Italy or Japan you won't further yourself. The rugby is not as strong as the Super 14.
"It's highly unlikely Lloyd will play Super 14 or for the Wallabies again. I sincerely hope he does make it back, but once you go to Italy or Japan the odds are against you."
Johansson did not return calls but it is understood he will leave for Italy in the next four weeks.
The part-Tongan, part-Swedish centre looked destined for a long international career when handed his first Wallabies cap against the All Blacks in 2005. Pitchforked into a Bledisloe Cup pressure-cooker in Auckland, Johansson was on the field just two minutes before he crossed for his maiden Test try.
But the Breakers brute's last two years in Queensland have been a virtual write off. Last season, he was dropped from the Reds side by coach Eddie Jones after turning up to training 20 minutes late.
His most recent appearance came in January, when he captained a youthful Reds line-up in a pre-season trial against the Waratahs.
Former All Blacks centre Boe admits he was surprised by Johansson's inability to crack the Queensland starting side this season, rating him as talented as Kiwi legends Frank Bunce and Walter Little.
"He's my type of inside centre," Boe said. "I like a big inside centre with a quicker outside centre. I am surprised Queensland haven't used him. It's just a matter of getting the best out of him.
"I've coached some New Zealand players as youngsters like Frank Bunce, Aaron Mauger and Walter Little and potentially he is up there with those guys, but he perhaps hasn't shown that for the Reds."
Queensland high-performance manager Ben Whitaker said the battle for Reds centre berths made it difficult for Johansson to fight back.
"It's disappointing when a talented young guy isn't getting a chance but that's the environment we live in," Whitaker said. "Berrick Barnes has also been moved to 12 so that's another hurdle in front of him."
