The brilliant 15-year-old utility player is the only local leaguey to earn a call up to the South West Sydney Academy of Sport's junior development squad- an opportunity he hopes will rocket him into an NRL career.

The self-confessed rugby league fanatic admits partying plays second fiddle to his footy passion that takes up six days every week.

"I can't really be like most 15-year old's because I'm either training or playing every day except Friday," he said.

"I really want to make a career out of the game and this is a sacrifice I have to make."

Renowned as a hard running second rower/centre with a high work rate, Johnston is about to enter his fourth season with the Moss Vale Dragons and admits his four months at the academy have made him think differently about the game.

"They teach us how to play better football," he said.

"We learn things like nutrition, fitness, skills and the dangers of drugs in sport."

The talented teen will play the biggest match of his career next month when he straps on the boots for the academy side in an NRL curtain raiser at Newcastle's Marathon Stadium.

He will also travel to South Africa in October with his academy mates for a tour of the country.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"It will be great just to travel to a different place and experience a different style of league."

But with the trip set to cost $4000, Johnston is busy looking for sponsors for the tour.

"It would be great to have a bit of help to get over there," he said.

"Bodyguard Gym have already helped out with my training which I really appreciate."

But since the Bulldogs have been splashed across the headlines, Johnston admits there's one peculiar thing which seems to happen a lot.

"I get called Willie Mason all the time but I think it's funny," he said.