Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford challenges full-back Niall Evalds to hold on to England role

Full-back Niall Evalds has been challenged to hold on to his place at next year’s World Cup after making his Test debut against France last month.
By Peter Smith
Published 11th Nov 2021, 17:00 BST
Updated 11th Nov 2021, 17:14 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Evalds’ Castleford Tigers coach Lee Radford reckons the prospect should inspire the 28-year-old during the 2022 domestic campaign.

“I think they will take two [full-backs],” Radford predicted of the England squad.

“That has got to be his aspiration, without a doubt.”

Niall Evalds scores for Castleford at Hull last season. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Niall Evalds scores for Castleford at Hull last season. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Niall Evalds scores for Castleford at Hull last season. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Radford insisted: “I really like Niall and speaking to Lasty [Tigers and England assistant-coach Andy Last], I think [national boss] Shaun Wane likes him as well.

“He’s a head down, backside up type of player - you don’t get any fuss out of him.

Read More
Castleford Tigers report boom in season tickets and replica shirt sales

“He trains hard and plays well. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Jake Trueman was a try scorer for Tigers in this year's Challenge Cup final defeat by St Helens. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Jake Trueman was a try scorer for Tigers in this year's Challenge Cup final defeat by St Helens. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Jake Trueman was a try scorer for Tigers in this year's Challenge Cup final defeat by St Helens. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Radford is also hopeful stand-off Jake Trueman can shake off the back problem which has hampered him for the past two seasons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He had an operation,” Radford confirmed. “It was all about getting him under the knife as soon as possible to give him an opportunity for this pre-season.

“He is a fantastic player - instrumental to this team, I think - and we need him on the field. Whatever his back issue is, we need to try and get it fixed as soon as we can and get him injury-free, leading the team around the park.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics:Niall EvaldsJake TruemanCastleford TigersEnglandFrance

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.