Castleford Tigers have confirmed that fullback Niall Evalds has agreed a new two-year contract extension, with an option for a further year, with the club.
Evalds – who arrived from Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2021 season – has already scored three tries and notched five assists for Castleford.
The 27-year-old previously spent eight seasons with the Red Devils whilst also featuring for England Knights in both 2018 and 2019. Evalds is currently a member of Shaun Wane’s England Men’s squad.
On the decision, Evalds said: “Everyone has welcomed me with open arms from day one, that’s the playing staff, coaching staff and everyone that is involved with the club have been so welcoming to me and my family which meant a lot to us and now it is up to me to repay the faith.
“I started off pretty well but the last couple of games I’ve been a bit quiet so me and Powelly [Daryl Powell] have been working on how to involve myself more in the team and in the game. I think there is so much to improve and build on.
“’I don’t think the fans have seen the best of me yet, but I’ll improve as we get our combinations right. To say that we’ve only lost one game, it’s pretty positive because there is so much we can improve on.”
Castleford Tigers Head Coach for 2022, Lee Radford said: “I really like what I’ve seen of him, he’s in contention at an international level as well so hopefully he can put his best foot forward for a spot in the World Cup squad.
“I can’t wait to work with him, I like what he’s about as a brave fullback and he is a real threat on plays in and around the ruck. I think he is getting better and developing even more on an edge, certainly offensively.”
Director of Rugby at Castleford Tigers, Jon Wells added: “We are delighted to announce the long-term signing of Niall Evalds at the Tigers.
“It’s fair to say the fullback position has been problematic for us over the last couple of seasons but Niall had also been a long-term target of ours. A lot of groundwork went into getting Niall’s signature on that initial one-year contract with was confirmed at the height of the Covid pandemic amidst great uncertainty.
“As soon as we felt secure enough to do so, we had the move to secure Niall on a longer-term contract. In my opinion, he is one of the game’s most exciting players and a young man who is still improving, and I am really pleased he will be a Tiger until at least the end of the 2023 season.”
Evalds could feature on Friday 25 June as England face the Combined Nations All Stars at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. You can get your tickets here.
