Castleford Tigers duo aiming to make the most of pre-season after overcoming injuries

After an excellent first year with the Tigers Evalds saw his second season ruined by a shoulder injury that saw him miss a substantial part of the campaign and ultimately cost him a possible place in the England World Cup squad.

He had previously suffered a bicep injury that kept him out of action for a spell so he is hoping for better luck with injuries next year.

The 29-year-old is back in training now and knuckling down to the hard graft that is required in pre-season.

He said: "If you want a successful season you have to put the hard work in, in pre-season. Nobody likes doing it, but it has to be done.

"It’s about laying the groundwork for the upcoming season, coming together as a team and figuring out combinations and things like that. It’s vital to a successful season.”

Evalds added: “Last year was tough for myself with injury and things.

"It was the first year I’ve had a year like that so I owe it to the boys and Radders to have a good year and I owe it to myself.

"I just want to be on the pitch as much as possible and be a consistent performer for the team.”

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Jordan Turner is another Cas player looking for better fortune after also seeing his World Cup hopes shattered by injury and is happy to be back in pre-season training.

He explained: "The concept of pre-season for me has changed a lot over the years.

“When you are a bit younger you see it as a bit of a punishment and people trying to break you. But the only thing I see now at my age is coming in to improve, to be the best version of myself.

"I’m competing with myself really because I know that’s my hardest competitor.

"I’m trying to be as fit as I can and get my body in the best shape possible for the start of the season.

"At the start of pre-season last year I was carrying my shoulder injury then sort of rushed back and ended up with another setback and had a year really that I didn’t want to have.

"So I want to make sure I’m in prime position to go in February.

"My shoulder’s really good now and I’m building my fitness up. I had 12 months of not being able to fully train so just being able to do every session is going to benefit me massively and I think you will see a different me this year.”