Devils’ Niall to start for Knights in Test
FULL-BACK TAKES NUMBER ONE SHIRT WHILE EX-RED DALEY JOINS SWINTON
SALFORD full-back Niall Evalds will start for England Knights in the first test against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has been handed the number one jersey by coach Paul Anderson for the fixture, which will take place in Lae.
The Knights are currently based in Brisbane, but will fly over to PNG on Thursday ahead of the first match against the Kumuls.
From there, they will move on to the capital Port Moresby, where the two teams will meet again on November 3.
Evalds has beaten Jamie Shaul to the full-back slot, with the Hull FC youngster having featured for the full England side in last week’s friendly against France.
Tipped for full international honours himself by coach Ian Watson, Evalds was the Red Devils top try scorer in 2018, crossing the line for 13 tries in all competitions.
He was a late call up to the Knights, however, joining up with the squad after Oliver Gildart was moved into Wayne Bennett’s England side.
Meanwhile, former Salford utility back Daley Williams has agreed a deal to join up with former Red Devils team-mate Stuart Littler at Swinton next season.
Predominantly a centre, the 32-year-old has plenty of Championship-level experience with Batley Bulldogs and Keighley Cougars, and joined League 1 Hunslet mid-way through 2018, scoring three tries in five appearances. “I’m over the moon to be playing for Swinton in the Championship,” said Williams. “I want to play at the highest standard of rugby I can, so I’m glad to be back up there.
“I’m very grateful to Stuart Littler for giving me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting back into training and getting a full pre-season under my belt.”
Lions coach Littler hopes Williams will bring experience to what looks set to be a young Swinton squad next season. So far, the club have confirmed the re-signing of five current squad members – Mike Butt, Ryan Gray, Jack Hansen, Rhodri Lloyd and Luke Waterworth.
“Daley was a promising junior at the back end of my time with Salford as a player,” he said.
“He is a strong, robust centre who will add some strike to our edge. Over the years, he has developed his game and I am confident we can work with him and facilitate even more development.
“Daley will add some experience to our squad, but I do think he has a good few years ahead of him.
“I am looking forward to seeing Daley in a Lions shirt and am sure the fans will appreciate his all-action style.”
Rochdale have re-signed club captain Lee Mitchell to a new two-year contract at the Crown Oil Arena.
He said: “I have really enjoyed my time here so far, and can’t wait to get to work with Carl [Forster] in preseason.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and I’m happy to be a part of it.”