Evalds to depart the Fords

The Tigers can today announce that full-back Niall Evalds will be departing the club following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

The 29-year-old linked up with Castleford from Salford Red Devils for the 2021 campaign and made an instant impact by scoring on his debut against Warrington Wolves.

Evalds’ impressive start to life at the Tigers was rewarded with a contract extension just a few months into his first season and he also went on to aid Cas’ trip to Wembley in the Challenge Cup that year.

Niall’s breathtaking try in the final will live long in the memory and the full-back’s all-round performance was rewarded with becoming just the fourth Castleford player in history to win The Lance Todd Trophy.

His performances that term caught the eye of England boss Shaun Wane, as Evalds was selected for England’s test against France at The Stade Gilbert Brutus where he made his international debut.

Unfortunately, the full-back’s last two years at The Jungle have been affected by injury and has made 37 appearances in total, scoring on nine occasions to date.

Looking back on his three years as a Tiger, Niall wanted to thank the Tigers fans for their backing during his time with the club.

“The first year was a real positive for me getting to the Challenge Cup final, winning The Lance Todd Trophy, and representing my country. After that, I really thought I would take the next steps and perform for Cas but unfortunately, injuries hit me.

“It’s not been a lack of trying to get out on the pitch, luck has just not been on my side. I’ve been disappointed with the last couple of years, and it’s been tough watching the boys and not being out there with them.

“I want to thank everyone at Cas, the fans, staff, and my teammates. They have all supported me through the tough times these last couple of years and I leave with lots of good memories at Cas.

“I am thankful to be able to represent such a great club and I wish them all the best.”

As mentioned earlier, Evalds had the honour of being awarded The Lance Todd Trophy despite being on the losing side, and he looked back fondly on one of the standout moments of his career.

“It was a big day for the club, and I remember walking out on that pitch and seeing all the Cas fans. I scored my try in front of them, and it was a great atmosphere so that would be my highlight.

“To be able to play in front of all my family because the year before when I played there it was during Covid so for them to be there was something I will remember. Winning the Lance Todd is always something I wanted to do so it was a proud moment for myself.”

In closing, Evalds wanted to pass on his gratitude to the Tigers coaching staff that have helped him during a difficult couple of years.

“All the medical staff have supported me with my rehabilitation and also have looked after me off the pitch to make sure I’m ok. Obviously, it’s been unprecedented for me to get these injuries all in a short space of time.

“The support they have given me has been outstanding and I can’t thank them enough. Everyone involved at Cas, I can’t speak highly enough of them because it’s a great place to play rugby, but I just wish I was out on that pitch a bit more.”

Castleford Director of Rugby Operations Danny Wilson added his well wishes to Niall for his future endeavours.

“Niall is an exciting player and he’s proved that his potential is at the top of the game in previous years. Unfortunately for him and what he’s frustrated with is over the last two years is he’s really struggled to get on the field.

“He’s ready to move on and test himself elsewhere which is the right thing for him and the club, so we are happy that he’s got himself fixed up. We wish him all the best for the future.”

All of us at the Fords would like to thank Niall for his time at the club and want to wish him well for the future.