Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers - Niall Evalds 'excited' to face former club

The full-back has been in outstanding form for Castleford Tigers since his move from Salford at the end of last season.

Today will be the first time he has played against his old club and he admitted: “I’m excited for it.”

But of more importance is Castleford’s response to their first defeat of the season, at Wigan Warriors eight days ago and the opportunity to strike a psychological blow ahead of next Saturday’s rematch with Salford in a Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final at Emerald Headingley.

Evalds insisted: “We’re just after another two points and a good performance.

“Obviously we were disappointed with the result against Wigan last week, we were off in a few areas.

“I’ve got some good friends in their team so it will be a bit strange going back there, but I am just focusing on my game and I’ll catch up with a few of the boys afterwards.”

From Halifax, Evalds made his Salford debut in 2013 and featured for them in last year’s Challenge Cup final and the previous season’s Super League title decider.

He was also capped by England Knights and called into the full international squad and insisted: “I loved my time at Salford.

“I signed at 15 and pretty much grew up there.I have nothing but good memories.”

Today’s game is Tigers’ first since former Hull boss Lee Radford was confirmed as the club’s next head coach, on a contract beginning next season.

Evalds said that has not been discussed among the players.

He stressed: “We are focused on this year.

“We have got a job to do and we want to win trophies.

“The focus of the players and coaching staff is on doing our best this year.”