Hull KR's Niall Evalds opens up on final heartache as Robins make history
Ex-England full-back, 31, is back at Old Trafford after dream move from Castleford to the Robins and now bidding to end trophy drought
by David Craven · The MirrorICce-cool Niall Evalds maintains he wasn’t feeling the heat as Hull KR edged their way into history.
The one-time England full-back was part of a terrific rearguard action as Rovers held onto a slender lead in Friday’s epic Super League semi-final against Warrington. They absorbed sustained pressure to hold out and win 10-8, sending the Robins to Old Trafford for their first-ever Grand Final. Wolves had two tries ruled out in the frantic closing stages but Evalds insisted: “It’s probably a lot more nervy when you’re watching.
“When you’re in the game you’re too busy to think. The fans will probably have had a few more heart-in-mouth moments than us. But we were just glad to win. I’m really proud of the boys. To grind out a victory like that was great. It wasn’t the prettiest - but we’re in the Grand Final.”
Rovers, who haven’t won the league since 1985, face either Wigan or Leigh on Saturday to be crowned champions. But just the chance to even challenge has left Evalds knowing he made the right decision to join Rovers after leaving Castleford ahead of this season. The 31 year-old is desperate to complete the job having lost with Salford against St Helens at Old Trafford in 2019.
He also endured Wembley heartache with them a year later and lost the 2021 Challenge Cup final with Castleford.
Evalds, who has an impressive 20 assists this term, admitted: “I’ve lost three finals so the big aim for me has been to win one. That’s all we’ve spoken about all year. We’ve a massive opportunity now.”
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