Yesterday England Knights’ Head Coach Paul Anderson named Salford Red Devils winger Niall Evalds in his 25 Knights Performance Squad (KPS). The Knights play a key role in the development of emerging talent, allowing players to gain experience in an international environment and to compete for a place in the England first team.
The Knights last played in 2013 but return as part of the newly formed England Performance Unit (EPU) led by Rugby Director, Kevin Sinfield, that aims to develop more world-class England players for all senior squads for the 2021 and 2025 Rugby League World Cups.
Evalds who is sponsored by Supporters Trust member Dennis Riley stated via the official club website that;
“It was a big surprise when I got the call last night – I didn’t expect it at all.” and “It’s one step at a time but that’s ultimately everybody’s goal to play for their country as much as this is a good step I still want to take that next one and time will tell.”
The full interview can be found on the official club website and YouTube page.
Everyone at Salford RLFC Supporters’ Trust would like to congratulate Niall on being selected for the KPS and hope to see him in a England Jersey in 2018.
Full England Knights’ Squad:
Greg Minikin (Castleford Tigers), Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers), Kruise Leeming (Huddersfield Giants), Josh Bowden (Hull FC), Jake Connor (Hull FC), Dean Hadley (Hull FC), Masimbaashe Matongo (Hull FC), Jamie Shaul (Hull FC), Chris Atkin (Hull KR), Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos), Jack Walker (Leeds Rhinos), James Cunningham (London Broncos), Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors), Tom Davies (Wigan Warriors), Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors), Sam Powell (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Sutton (Wigan Warriors), Niall Evalds (Salford Red Devils), Danny Richardson (St Helens), Luke Thompson (St Helens), Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity), Jack Hughes (Warrington Wolves), Tom Gilmore (Widnes Vikings), Danny Walker (Widnes Vikings), Matt Whitley (Widnes Vikings).