Castleford’s trip to Hull KR has all the ingredients for a great Cup tie says Niall Evalds
Castleford full-back Niall Evalds believes his side’s trip to Hull KR has all the ingredients to be a great Challenge Cup tie.
Lee Radford’s side make the trip to Craven Park on Friday, April 8, for the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Castleford’s journey to the cup final last year took almost four periods of extra time to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Gareth O’Brien’s dramatic drop-goal in golden point extra time over Salford booked Castleford’s spot in the next round.
Evalds, 28, missed that fixture due to his partner, Sophie, giving birth to his son, August, on the same day.
“My missus was in labour,” said the England international. “My son was born that night actually. I had it on my phone and I was streaming the match while my missus was in labour.
“She wasn’t too happy. She kept saying ‘get off your phone’ and things like that but I kept reading the results and keeping updated on Twitter.
“We were dead and buried at half-time and we came through the other end. I had two reasons to celebrate that day.”
Niall Evalds expecting tough clash
Castleford claimed their second league win of the season in round seven with a 32-6 victory over Toulouse at home. It followed an impressive performance at Headingley Stadium that saw the Tigers beat Leeds 40-16 to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Their fixture against Tony Smith’s side will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, and Evalds believes it has the making to be a great tie.
“We went there earlier in the year and they were miles the better side,” he said.
“We weren’t on our game at all. I think we’ve learned a lot of lessons from that and how we want to defend.
“Hull KR throw a lot at you. They have some great players in Jordan Abdull and that whole left edge is a big left edge. They have some very good players in that team and they’re a great side and throw the ball around a lot.
“They’re a tough challenge but we’re confident, with the adjustments we’ve made, we can challenge them as well.
“Both teams are probably building up a bit of form. It has all the ingredients for a great cup tie.
“We’ve put two wins back-to-back and building a bit of form. It’s a really positive mood in the camp.
“We’re ready and focused for Friday.”
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