Johnson who missed out on Origin selection in 2011, was named 18th man for the second origin game in Sydney after vice-captain Sam Thaiday pulled out with a shoulder injury, many media outlets and reporters said Johnson was the best signing of 2011 for the Cowboys and has continued to be a stand out performer for the club over two seasons, averaging 42 tackles a game, and adds a lot of leadership and stability to the club - which coach Neil Henry has said about him.