Castleford Tigers providing a new challenge for Niall Evalds

Niall Evalds left Salford at the end of the 2020 season after seven years at the club, in pursuit of a new challenge at Castleford Tigers.

After making his debut in 2013 against the Catalan Dragons, Niall became Salford Red Devils leading Super League try scorer when he scored his 66^th try in 2019. After 101 tries in 146 appearances, reaching both the Challenge Cup and Grand Final with Salford, Niall Evalds decided it was time for a new challenge.

Niall said “I spoke to my family trying to make the decision. I just felt I needed to test myself and take myself out of my comfort zone and that’s exactly what this had been, -a test- Powell has challenged me on a lot of things to make me a better player. It is exactly what I came for. I ‘m enjoying it so far”.

Other super league clubs were interested in signing the full back, but Niall decided joining Castleford  was the right move for him, with Daryl Powell proving to be a major factor in the decision. “As soon as I spoke to Powell and he sold the vision of the club, what he could do for me and how he saw me fitting into the team, the decision was made”.

He has settled into life as a Castleford Tigers play very quickly with a warm welcome from his new teammates.

“The boys have been really welcoming from the first day, everyone has made me feel so welcome. I fit in really well, it’s exactly what I came for a challenge, to learn something new and to test myself. All the boys are just excited for the season”.

Castleford struggled last season. After a great start to the campaign which included wins of both Super League grand finalist St Helens and Wigan Warriors, the Tigers saw themselves joint top of Super League alongside Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos heading into the enforced break in the season.

Unfortunately for Daryl Powell’s side, after the restart the Tigers were unable to recapture their early season form, falling to eight defeats in 10 games post lockdown. A very disappointing end to the season for Castleford.

Following a poor season for his new side, Evalds was asked if leaving Salford who had reached two finals in two years was a risk.

“No I don’t think so. I think Cas have always been up there competing in the big games since Powell took charge, they have always been at the top end of the table. Last year, after lockdown, they didn’t have the best of finishes, but I think you can see the talent that is in the squad.

They have a lot of potential and the Man of Steel in Paul McShane. There are a lot of things working well for the team. I think we have a great squad. We can do something special if we all work hard. I think there is no reason we can’t do something special, it is an exciting time for the club”.

The young full back received high praise from his teammate and current Man of Steel Paul McShane who name Niall, when asked who is most likely to win the award out of the squad this year.

“For me, it is Niall the kid could be anything he wants to be. He is electric you don’t know what he is going to do. I think our way of playing will suit him down to the ground, and he will be even more of a threat. You can’t get anywhere near him.”.

Liam Watts added “ Niall is a player we have needed for some time, we haven’t had a full back imbedded in the club since Zak left. It is nice to have Niall at the club. How he played at Salford, he is electrifying out of the back and he has been causing our defence problems in training”.

Niall is only 27 and has a bright future ahead of him. He has been playing in Super League since 2013.He brings years of experience as well as an outstanding try scoring record. 101 tries for Salford over seven years at the club. He will be looking to add to that tally this year in his first year at his new team.

The main focus will be to have a successful first season at Castleford. With the potential of being called up to the England World Cup squad at the end of the year in the back of his mind.

“If my performances for Cas are good, then I am sure stuff like that will follow. It’s just about making sure I train hard every day and put a good performance in on the weekend. It definitely is one of my goals to play in a home World Cup, but it’s just taking each day as it comes”.

Niall already has experience of international rugby playing for the England Knights squad in 2018 and 2019. In July 2018 he was selected in the England Knights performance squad. Later in the year he played for England Knights on their tour of Papua New Guinea. A year later he played for the Knights again against Jamaica at Headingley.

At Salford Evalds was one of the first names on the team sheet with his full back position secured. He is aware there is competition for his place in the side with Gareth O’Brien in the squad. A player who can play at the back or in the halves.

Niall said this when asked about the competition for his place in the side. “ I think it makes you a better player if you aren’t guaranteed your spot. It raises standards in training and in matches as you don’t have that complacency. Gaz is a quality player.

The depth in the squad is good across the board but depth in position should serve us well. It’s going to be a long season with the potential of injuries, so to have players that can come in and ensure the team doesn’t lose any quality will be very important to us”.

Daryl Powell had this to say on the signing of Evalds and his performance throughout pre-season. “He has been great. He can get from A to B better than anyone I’ve known since Luke Dorn. Jordan Rankin had just started to play the way we wanted him to when lockdown came, and he ended up going home and that was a significant dent in our team.”

“But Niall has been fantastic. He looks electric. He is very quick and a very instinctive player in the middle and of the edge. I am expecting a lot from him. I think everybody would say this is one of the most exciting times of the season. I think if our half backs get their jobs right, then you are going to see a pretty special player”.

The Mend-A-Hose Jungle is well known throughout Super League for its intimidating atmosphere. Niall is looking forward to play at the jungle with the Castleford supporters on his side.

“I can’t wait, I have played there as an opposition player for Salford over the years and it wasn’t a great experience. I am hoping have the fans on my side will be a nicer experience. We can’t wait for the fans to be back. Every player has said it has been a different experience when they aren’t there, it’s a weird atmosphere, so the sooner they are back the better. We all can’t wait and I am sure the first game’s atmosphere will be amazing”.

Fans are scheduled to return to Super League grounds across the country in round seven. Scheduling a Yorkshire derby between Castleford and Leeds Rhinos for Evald’s first Casleford game with fans. “The Yorkshire Derby. Leeds have recruited really well so it will be a tough match but I am looking forward to it. But for now, we aren’t looking too far ahead, our focus is on preparing for Warrington first”.

Castleford face Warrington Wolves in round 1 at Headingley stadium. The Wolves managed to come away from the two meetings between the sides last season with the victory, 9-8 and 12-10. We are expecting another close affair in what could be the game of the round.

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