: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:21 am  

Just to say the Warrington and England coach went on the record in praising Kyle's performance on Saturday - enough said

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:48 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Now we need to find fullbacks, wingers and centres.

Hall and Ainscough are probably two wing prospects.
Evans at Warrington has the potential to fill any of those positions.
Clubb and Lawrence at Centre.

Stefan Marsh and Ian Thornley at Wigan are progressing well.

Young Briscoe at Hull?

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:49 am  

I thought Eastmond was fantastic on Saturday and can’t remember the last time Long had as good a game as that, his break for Wellens? try was not a break made by his pace or footwork but he showed good strength for his size to go straight through two defenders.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:03 am  

BaldBloke360 wrote:

That is why I think saints should keep these young kids feet on the ground. It all good nueturing young players to be come good un's for the future.

Nueturing? I never heard of that technique before [/b]

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:12 am  

BaldBloke360 wrote:

That is why I think saints should keep these young kids feet on the ground. It all good nueturing young players to be come good un's for the future.

Nueturing? I never heard of that technique before [/b]

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:29 am  

philipk wrote:

Just to say the Warrington and England coach went on the record in praising Kyle's performance on Saturday - enough said

Even the wire fans praised him, everyone in RL world had to praise him. Stood up and was counted, set up tries, scored a try, kicked the goals, tackled well even against a 6'3" centre... good condience boost for the lad, and he looked composed on the SLY TV interview also.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:40 am  

Steven Soderbergh wrote:

Nueturing? I never heard of that technique before [/b]

Perhaps that's what Wigan tried on Stuart Fielden

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:21 pm  

Good game from Eastmond.

But.

Let's not be too hasty in coming to conclusions.

Remember every coach and most players in Super League will have watched the match or a recording of it.

They will be worried about what he can do if given the opportunity.

Their forwards will be delegated to pick him out as a target, and whether attacking or defending he will have a hard time.

He will need to work on his tackling technique to avoid injury and learn how to protect himself when making a break.

Like Rob Burrow he will doubtless be the victim of a number of high tackles - some deliberate others less so.

In addition he needs to show that his body can withstand the rigours of a full season without succumbing to too many injuries.

The above applies to all sorts of weather from the firm pitches which are Saints delight to the occasional mud baths which are a different kettle of fish.


VERDICT

Extremely promising but still too early for a final assessment.

Cheers

Ch.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:04 pm  

Champs,
That's a very good summary.

I was very surprised that Warrington did not target him defensively on Saturday. He missed a couple of tackles early on, and I expected them to send the likes of Westwood at him.

Possibly because they lost, Grix and Clarke this did not happen. I'm sure other teams will "go at him"

When Wigan played Salford in the cup, Shaun Wayne said BEFORE the game in the South Stand Bar before the game that Wigan would target Myler and Ratchford.

Coaches do look at these things.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:22 pm  

Eastmond's defence cannot be much worse than Long's, which has been in decline for as long as his health.