EVALDS ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL

After a lot of hard work, perseverance and some fantastic medical staff behind him, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Niall Evalds.

After breaking his foot just 35 minutes into his Giants debut, less than 3 days after putting pen to paper on a loan move to the club, Niall has been working day and night to get back to full fitness and return to play.

“I’m close to a return now. There’s still some boxes to tick and and things to get through. It’s looking good so far. I’ve had a long time out, and getting injured in your first game isn’t the way you want to start at a new club. It’s not nice watching your teammates go out and you’re not part of that. Like I say, still a few boxes to tick, but we’re not far off now.”

Niall wanted to thank the medical team for getting him to where he is now. 

“They’ve been first class. Ali has been with me throughout. It’s a long long process, to keep me motivated when it’s small steps that you’re taking. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it, so from all the medical and conditioning staff, they’ve got me through the tough times and kept pushing me. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel now so we’re close.”

Just 35 minutes Niall has played for the Giants; 35 minutes. He believes though, when he does step out onto the field with the lads, it will feel like a second debut for him, and one that he’s looking forward to.

"I was very excited to pull on the jersey. It’ll feel like a second debut when I do come back. I’m really excited to be back with the boys. Having to watch them train, I want to be there with the ball in my hands.”

“I just want to show the fans and the boys what I can do and earn their respect.”

It’s been no secret that the injury list has been long. Players have been in and out of the treatment room and a fair few have been able to rehab together. It’s not a group that you want, but it’s a group that has helped each other through the tough times this season. Niall takes some positives, if at all possible, from the fact that he’s not been alone during his recovery.

“Obviously you never want to see anyone injured. Rehab can be a lonely process at times when you’re stuck in the gym, but to have some of the other boys with me pushing each other, who also have similar injuries, it motivates you to get back as quick as you can. It’s also allowed me to get to know the lads a lot batter too, being with them everyday so I take a positive from that.”