Paper Talk: Castleford sign Evalds, Shaul in demand & Wells on Wigan future

Drew Darbyshire

There is quite a bit of transfer speculation in the latest papers.

Castleford sign Evalds

Castleford have completed the signing of Salford full-back Niall Evalds for the 2021 season, reports League Express.

The 26-year-old has signed an initial one-year contract with the Tigers from next season, according to League Express.

Shaul attracts interest

Hull FC full-back Jamie Shaul is a wanted man as Super League rivals show interest in the out of contract star, reports Hull Live.

Two rival clubs are currently monitoring Shaul’s situation but the 27-year-old’s preference is to stay with his boyhood club, according to Hull Live.

Irvine rejects games behind closed doors

A lower league director has warned that the majority of clubs outside Super League will be opposed to the Championship and League 1 seasons returning behind closed doors, reports League Express.

Hunslet director Damian Irvine told League Express: “Behind closed doors rugby at the lower levels cannot happen and the majority of Championship and League 1 clubs would support that view. Super League are broadcast funded but there is no value in those other divisions.”

Wells on Wigan future

Young Wigan forward Jack Wells has opened up on his Toronto loan, lockdown – and his future at the Warriors, report Wigan Today.

Wells told Wigan Today: “Wigan gave me one for year and it depends on how I go this season, whether I stay or not.”

France to ease restrictions

Catalans coach Steve McNamara will unleash his Dragons this week as virus control restrictions begin to relax in the South of France, reports League Express.

McNamara told League Express: “From Monday, restrictions in France will probably come in line more with the English. We’ve been locked into a daily one-hour slot within one kilometre of home; the restrictions have been very, very tight.”

Watts thriving under Powell

Castleford coach Daryl Powell is inspiring Liam Watts to make a name for himself in the England squad, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Watts told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I knew the credentials that Powelly had and after I met him he told me that I should be playing for England. I had rarely heard that before from a coach.”

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