NIALL’S BATTLE OF HASTINGS

NIALL EVALDS was the name on everyone’s lips after his stunning opening salvo for Salford Red Devils last week.

But the full-back, who scored a hat-trick in the surprise 34-14 win over Huddersfield, reckons he will soon be back in the shadows.

It is not that Evalds, 25, is expecting a dip in form or a sudden loss of confidence, it is just that Jackson Hastings happens to be a team-mate.

The Aussie scrum-half, 23, has been sensational since riding to Salford’s rescue last July, when the club faced a relegation battle.

A firm fans’ favourite, Hastings has played seven games and Salford have won them all.

And the two games he was suspended for last year, the Reds lost.

Evalds (above) said: “He is a cult hero. You can see how good he has been since he came in. We had a tough period last year but then Jacko came in and brings such energy that it lifts the entire team.

“He is world class. We have just got to give him the ball and give him chance to play because he is going to cause problems.”

Salford today face a promoted London Broncos team who are buzzing after their shock 42-24 win over Wakefield last Sunday.

The Broncos were one of two teams that beat Salford in the Middle 8s last year when Hastings was missing.

Evalds said: “We probably underestimated them that time and they turned us over.

“That’s fresh in our memories and we won’t do that again.”

Salford v London Broncos

Today, 3pm