Hall of Fame - Albert Johnson : 1939-1951

Albert Johnson was signed from Pilkington Sheet Works in April 1938, and made his debut at home in an 11-3 win against Halifax, on 21 January 1939.

The Second World War intervened, and though he played a number of wartime fixtures, it wasn't till peace had been restored in 1945 that Albert showed his true flair. With as "wicked" a sidestep as possible, his wing talent was recognised as Warrington's only representative on the successful 1946 Tour. Five minutes from full time in the Second Test at Brisbane, he chased a kick, outstripped his Aussie winger, and juggled with the ball above his head for fully fifteen yards, before cradling it to score near the flag. This try effectively sealed the game and the Ashes were retained.

Johnson went on to gain six Great Britain caps, as well as playing on four occasions for Lancashire.In season 1949-50 Albert had a stint at full back, but was back on the wing at Wembley helping Warrington to win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 43 years, as they demolished near neighbours Widnes 19-0 in an entertaining final. At 5ft 10ins and a playing weight of 12st 7lbs, he would torment defences down the left wing'as if they hadn't had enough with trying to cope with Brian Bevan down the other!

Unfortunately his career came to a tragic end in the 1951 Championship final against Workington Town at Maine Road, Manchester. After only three minutes he broke his left leg, and in an era before substitutes, he and his teammates had to be content with runners-up medals in a gallant 11-26 defeat. To compound matters the injury was so severe he never played again!Albert Johnson played 198 games for Warrington, scored 112 tries, and kicked 2 goals for a total of 340 points.