Huddersfield Giants handed huge injury boost as star man closes in on return

On-loan Huddersfield Giants full back, Niall Evalds, has said it will “feel like a second debut” when he returns to action after over three months out with injury. 

Evalds joined the Giants on a season-long loan from league leaders Hull KR earlier this season. However, the move has been torrid to say the least. Just three days after signing, he made his debut for Luke Robinson’s side but he would only last 35 minutes into the game before leaving the field with a broken foot. 

“I’m close to a return now,” said Evalds, speaking to the Giants’ club website. “There’s still some boxes to tick and things to get through. It’s looking good so far.” 

He added: “I’ve had a long time out, and getting injured in your first game isn’t the way you want to start at a new club. It’s not nice watching your teammates go out and you’re not part of that. Like I say, still a few boxes to tick, but we’re not far off now.” 

Huddersfield Giants man approaching ‘second debut’

Despite only playing less than a half of rugby for the Giants, Evalds has bonded with his new teammates well, and wants to prove to the fans, and to his new colleagues, that he is worthy of wearing the claret and gold. 

He said: “I was very excited to pull on the jersey. It’ll feel like a second debut when I do come back. I’m really excited to be back with the boys. Having to watch them train, I want to be there with the ball in my hands. I just want to show the fans and the boys what I can do and earn their respect.” 

All clubs get injuries across the season, but you feel Huddersfield have been handed the short straw this season when it comes to having players on the sidelines. 

However, the one thing the injury crisis at the John Smith’s Stadium has been able to do is allow that connection between Evalds and the rest of the Giants’ squad to grow. 

He said: “Obviously you never want to see anyone injured. Rehab can be a lonely process at times when you’re stuck in the gym, but to have some of the other boys with me pushing each other, who also have similar injuries, it motivates you to get back as quick as you can.” 

He added: “It’s also allowed me to get to know the lads a lot better too, being with them everyday so I take a positive from that.”