Salford have had a torrid few months with regards to transfers; lynchpin Michael Dobson and powerhouse second-rower Ben Murdoch-Masila both departed in the off-season whilst full-back Gareth O'Brien - whom will forever be remembered for THAT golden-point extra-time drop-goal - has left for Toronto. The Salford squad is made up of just 26 players and most of those outside the first-choice 17 have little to no Super League experience. And, things could be about to get worse for the Red Devils if rumours are to be believed that talented three-quarter Niall Evalds is heading for Castleford.

Full-back issue

Castleford's problems at the back have been well documented ever since last season's Grand Final.

With Zak Hardaker out of the fray, head coach Daryl Powell has turned to Samoan international Ben Roberts to fill the No.1 spot. Although the 32-year-old is improving with every game and Jamie Ellis is playing consistently well at No.6, the Tigers are missing Roberts' creative spark at half-back.

With the potential signing of Evalds, this would leave Roberts free to go back to his native position and battle it out with Ellis to be Luke Gale's half-back partner. This competitive rivalry would only benefit Castleford, plus, it would enable Powell to keep his half-backs fresh for the important end-of-season run in.

What would Evalds bring?

Niall Evalds is a very solid full-back; aged just 24, he displays a maturity that belies his youthful age.

Though no full-back in the game can come close to Hardaker and the way he performed in 2017, Evalds is the sort of dependable No.1 that would improve the Tigers' side as they look to go one better in 2018. And, with the style of play which Castleford are known for, Evalds seems the perfect fit.

Evalds is a confident attacking player; he chimes into the line with perfection and his communication with those around him is impressive.

Whilst he has played on the wing for Salford for most of his career and for most of the season so far, Evalds is a natural full-back and this is what Castleford need. Though the 24-year-old would need to learn Castleford's playing structures, it would not be as difficult as having to change your entire game as Roberts has had to do to fill in the gap at the back.

The Salford man also has a very astute Rugby League brain: he can pick the right pass and looks calm and collected under the high ball. Roberts is a superb defender, but Evalds is not exactly bad; rarely does he drop the high-ball or miss a one-on-one tackle. If Evalds did make the move, he would go some way to alleviating the disruption left by Hardaker. Plus, it would allow Roberts to play his natural game at half-back.

For Castleford, it is a win-win situation. Castleford's new Director of Rugby Jon Wells has already been busy snapping up former Hull FC forward Liam Watts, could he about to make another swoop in the form of Niall Evalds?