Evalds joins Huddersfield Giants on loan

It has been confirmed that Niall Evalds has joined Huddersfield Giants from Hull KR on loan for the remainder of the season with immediate effect.

The fullback made his Hull KR debut in the Robins’ Derby win over Hull FC in Round One of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, scoring two tries in the process.

The 31-year-old appeared 32 times in Red and White, scoring 11 tries. Evalds was an integral part of the Robins’ progression in 2024, helping the side to its highest-ever Super League finish and a maiden Super League Grand Final. 

Evalds, who has over thirteen years experience in the Betfred Super League, scoring over 130 tries in 240 appearances, joins the Giants to add experience and quality, also being a former Lance Todd Trophy winner, showing his big game quality.

Speaking on his time at Hull KR, Niall Evalds said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time with Hull KR. Since day one, everyone has made me feel so welcome. It was only a year and a half together, but it’s been such an enjoyable stage of my career. 

“I’d like to say thank you to all the players, staff and the fans, they’ve all been so supportive of me and my family which has been a big part of it being such an enjoyable experience. I’ve loved stepping out at Sewell Group Craven Park and playing in front of the fans with all my teammates.

“A special thank you to our Player Welfare Manager, Sue Thompson for all of her help regarding my son, August. She made everything smooth sailing for August and has gone above and beyond for my family.

“It was a special moment for me and my family having my teammates get behind my family for Rare Disease Day, wearing special laces to raise awareness of Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome for August. 

“I’m happy and proud of my time with Hull KR. Playing in a Grand Final and being able to walk out to the fans at Old Trafford was so special. My time with the club is full of happy memories.”

Hull KR Head Coach, Willie Peters said: “I’d like to thank Niall for his contribution to the club over the last 18 months. He played a really important part in helping us make the Grand Final last year. 

“Niall is a quality person who’s really popular with the fans and his teammates. On behalf of Hull KR, we wish Niall and his family all the best for the future.”

On joining Huddersfield, Evalds also discussed:

“I’m really pleased! Things happen quickly in Rugby League and I had the opportunity to join the Giants. I still live in Huddersfield too, so the move makes sense. I’m excited for a new challenge. I hope I can contribute and help to climb the ladder.”

“I’ve been chatting to Luke (Robinson). He thinks and believes I can contribute to the team, and he feels I can add to it. I’ve not met the lads yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I know George King from Hull KR, and I spent a lot of time travelling with him to and from training. He’s a good bloke, so to have that relationship with him is great. I spoke to George prior to the move and it’ll be good to have someone in the squad that I already know, so I can embed quickly.

"It’s a massive game on Thursday, and we want to climb up the ladder. There’s no better place to get started than on Thursday against my old club Salford.”

Giants head coach Luke Robinson then commented on what Evalds will add to the side and about how he is exactly the type of player they want to add to the group:

"He's been consistently one of the best full-backs for a number of years, he's got plenty of speed and lots of energy, he's a local lad and I'm chuffed to have him on board.

"Niall is really good defensively, he's not scared of putting his body on the line and also has that threat with his speed coming back at the big middles.

"We know he'll be a great fit for the culture of the group, we know what we're getting with Niall and it's a huge statement by the club to be able to get someone of his calibre over the line when we needed it."