Watson unsurprised by timing of Castleford’s ‘predictable’ Evalds announcement

Salford head coach Ian Watson says he wasn’t surprised about the timing on Castleford’s announcement that they have signed Red Devils fullback Niall Evalds.

The two sides face each other this Thursday and while Evalds’ move across the Pennines was announced from Salford’s end during the Covid-19 suspension, the Tigers only revealed the news on Monday – three days before the game.

The timing was described as ironic by several fans, with some even considering it to be mind games, but Watson says it won’t make a difference come Thursday.

“The Niall Evalds news was predictable,” he said. “It was released in the lockdown period that Niall was going to Castleford so it always going to come out.

“It comes as no surprise that it came out just before we are due to play them. Both teams have just sustained losses and it sort of shifts the focus somewhat.

“For us, it is nothing we can control, it was already out there anyway. I spoke to Niall and asked how he was and how it affected him. He was aware it was coming out.

“Apparently, Castleford were launching their season tickets on the Monday and I think Niall must be the face of Castleford’s season tickets next year so the announcement was a good one.

“The key to sell some season tickets and make a profile of Niall, maybe they could have released it after we played them where Niall could have scored three tries, rather than the two and they maybe could have sold the news on the back of that.

“But nothing is surprising. There is always something that crops up in rugby league. It becomes quite fun. I got a text to say, ‘Did you know that was happening? Did you know that was released?’.

“I said that I didn’t and that I never spoke to anyone about it but it is what it is. We can only focus now on the game and that is what Niall is focusing on this Thursday.”

Evalds is currently in his eighth season with Salford, having spent time on loan with the likes of Oldham, Barrow and Halifax during his career.

Though a move to the Tigers is imminent, Watson insists that Evalds’ loyalties still remain with the Red Devils and that he expects a top performance this coming week.

“I don’t think it will affect him, not after talking to him,” Watson added. “If anything, Castleford putting him on the front of the season tickets might motivate him to do better.

“He has to make sure to perform to a really high standard because they will all be watching him.

“Niall will be up to that challenge though. He has been in good form and does not really get flustered which is a good thing about him.

“He is pretty level headed and will try his best on Thursday.”