Paul Johnson put his hand up for a starting berth at right centre against Penrith in the World Club Challenge with an excellent four-try debut in the 56-18 defeat of Castleford at Odsal yesterday.

"I couldn't believe it myself. I had a bit of luck but I am happy with my start, really happy," said Johnson.

Modesty might prevent him saying so, but there wasn't much luck involved when Johnson took just 12 minutes to post his hat-trick in the closing stages of the first half.

Good support play saw him collect passes from Leon Pryce and Aaron Smith for his first two tries, and a nice step coupled with a woeful attempted tackle by Castleford wing Waine Pryce saw him race in from 35 metres for his third.

"I was ready to play today. I wanted to be a part of it," said Johnson, an off-season acquisition from Wigan.

"I wanted to put everything behind me from last year with a new club and a new start."

Playing behind the awesome Bradford forward machine was a nice change from previous seasons, he said.

"I've tried to stop them before, but watching it roll on in front of you and then playing off the back of it is a lot easier than stopping it."

Coach Brian Noble was delighted with Johnson's performance: "He's shown in a brief cameo appearance what an outstanding acquisition we've got off Wigan. I've always rated him highly and I think he'll be a fantastic asset for the Bulls."