EVALDS’ DREAM RETURN

NIALL EVALDS could be set for a fairy- tale Wembley return with Salford after Dan Sarginson suffered Covid- 19 Challenge Cup heartache.

Evalds has not featured since September 3 due to a calf injury, but has returned to the squad after Salford confirmed that Sarginson and forward Jack Ormondroyd were the two players who tested positive earlier this week and are out of the final. Sarginson would have been a guaranteed starter at full- back but that place could now go to Evalds, who joins Castleford next season. Nine players in Salford’s 21- man squad played in the Super League on Tuesday, with opponents Leeds fielding just four.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Salford Red Devils would like to give a massive show of gratitude to Sarginson and Ormondroyd, for their tremendous contributions throughout the season, which have helped the team progress through to the Coral Challenge Cup final.”