Halifax-born Evalds happy with home town chance as he battles for Salford spot

Salford's Halifax-born back Niall Evalds has said it was a 'privilege' to play for his hometown club last weekend.
Niall Evalds takes Steve Tyrer's pass against SwintonNiall Evalds takes Steve Tyrer's pass against Swinton
Niall Evalds takes Steve Tyrer's pass against Swinton

Evalds, a former Siddal junior, played on the wing in the 38-28 Championship win over Swinton, arguably the highest-profile Red Devils player to play for Fax since the clubs penned a dual-registration agreement last autumn.

The 23 year old has found a regular starting berth in Ian Watson’s Super League outfit hard to come by this year and is expected to be available again for Fax when they host Dewsbury this weekend (3.0).

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“I found out last Thursday I was coming to Halifax, so I had two training sessions with the boys before the Swinton game,” said Evalds.

“They’ve really welcomed me in and it was great to get a game and play for my hometown club.

“That’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“My mum and dad came down to watch me play and I’d definitely come back again if I get the chance.

“It was a privilege to play on Sunday.

“It’s two or three weeks since I played against Wakefield and I’d not been selected by Salford since then.

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“I’d played against Wigan earlier in the season, tweaked my calf and then it was a winning team so it was hard to get back into it.

“It’s always frustrating when you’re not playing, I guess.

“It’s hard to watch the team when you want to be out there being part of it, but you have these moments in your career and it’s how you react to them.

“I’ve no idea whether I’ll be back at Halifax again, I don’t know what the future holds, so I’ll take it week by week.”

Evalds was solid against the Lions, coming close to a first half try and almost creating a second half touchdown with a grubber kick to the corner.

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“Super League is quicker, but in terms of physicality there’s not much in it,” he said.

“I just wanted to get my work done and do my job for the team.

“I see myself as a full back, and that’s where I feel I can have the biggest influence, but after two training sessions and barely knowing all the calls, I was happy to play on the wing, especially when Will Sharp’s playing so well at the back.

“There was always some distance between the teams, and we always felt like we had enough, but Swinton are a good side and they don’t go away.

“They challenge you on the edges and defensively there’s probably stuff we can work on there.”