11:01am Thursday 12th November 2009
A FEW eyebrows were raised when Saints allowed veteran scrum half Sean Long to join Hull – with youngster Kyle Eastmond ordained as his natural successor.
The theory goes that Eastmond, although starring off the bench and the filling in roles he has performed at centre, has not really commanded a game at half back yet.
However last Saturday he was given a real baptism of fire on England duty, partnering another youngster in Sam Tomkins at half back in the win over the Kiwis.
Once again Eastmond showed real flashes of brilliance – and that will no doubt add to the valuation placed on him as he negotiates a new deal at Knowsley Road, with his current contract expiring at the end of 2010.
Eastmond marked his full debut with a maiden international try after 10 minutes, which set England on the road to their Four Nations final date with Australia.
If the 20-year-old can prove himself at this level, Saints can be confident he can fill Long’s boots for next year’s Super League campaign.
There are still concerns – although Eastmond can come into play as quick as a flash and make an impact, there are times when he is not in the game.
Saints, in Leon Pryce, already have a stand off with similar qualities and deficiencies, so that will present coach Mick Potter with a challenge.
The England team for Saturday’s final at Elland Road had not been chosen at the time of going to press, but it was more than likely that coach Tony Smith was going to stick with the same 17 that made it through to the final.
Although Eastmond impressed against the Aussies in the centres marking Greg Inglis two weeks ago, if he lines up at scrum half he will face the best number seven in the world.
However, his Kangaroo counterpart Jonathan Thurston has displayed a surprising lack of knowledge about his likely opponent.
When asked on Monday about whether he knew more about Kyle Eastmond now, than he did at the start of the tournament, Thurston replied: “Who?”
He then added: “He obviously had a good game against the Kiwis last week and we’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
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