Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford hints at replacement for Niall Evalds following crushing blow

Castleford Tigers could be without Niall Evalds for two months, according to boss Lee Radford.

Evalds was take off the field in Castleford’s win over Leeds Rhinos, and it has now been confirmed that he will be out for a consistent chunk of the season.

“Niall’s gone in for an operation so he’s going to be eight weeks I believe,” Radford told BBC Radio Leeds.

The Tigers will also be without Greg Eden for Friday’s Super League trip to Catalans Dragons, with the record-breaking winger struggling with a muscle injury.

“(Scans are) not showing too much but he’s still not back on field so I don’t think he’ll be available,” said Radford.

It means likely that James Clare will once more deputise at fullback with Ryan Hampshire still out.

However, Hampshire isn’t going to be too far away – and he will take the number 1 spot when he returns.

“Ryan has had his pot off this week so he’s not far off,” Radford continued.

“The quicker we can get him back during this period, it’s really important for us.

“He’s had the clearance from specialists and there’s calcification in the bones, so it’s just a matter of getting his strength up.”