: Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:54 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

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.

I thought he looked quite nervous for the first 20 mins, and the more experienced players seemed to be bypassing him a bit when it came to kicks or big passing plays. During that period he flew out of the line a couple of times and left gaps, but once he got his hands on the ball a bit he calmed down and was great both in attack and defence.

This spell while Long is out is perfect for him to become accustomed to the responsibility of playing 7 at this level before he presumably takes over next year. He clearly has all the necessary talent, and just needs the experience to not be overawed by the responsibility inherent in controlling a leading side in big games.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:58 am  

It has to be said he looked the real deal on Saturday. He'll do for me but it still takes time to be consistently good. We might not win anything this year and maybe not next year either but we'll still be there or thereabouts with Eastmond at 7 as long he stays fit.

Wheeler is just as impressive as well, but is going to end up playing as a semi permanent centre at least for the next 8 matches if fit. What could he do at 6 with Eastmond at 7 in the future but we won't see that partnership for some time until Pryce leaves or retires.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:05 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

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.

off course they do - well done on stating the obvious....coaches and teams have always, and will always send their big guys to run at the opposition's smaller players.

I see no reason why Eastmond will suffer any more than any other halfback in the history of the game, including Sean Long.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:17 pm  

gateaux wrote:

He had a great game tonight lets hope its the first of many.

He also had a good game for you against Wigan when he kicked the 40 metre drop goal

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:45 pm  

Eastmond looks a great talent. I have seen him play at reserve level and I was one of the ones saying he would make it for sure and him playing in super league has only strengthened that view. I hope to see him and Tomkins tear the Aussies appart in years to come.

Eastmond has raw pace and skill which many players lack. He can read a game and can both assist and score tries. IMO he is better than Long at this present time.

Saints have had it spot on with this guy.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:23 pm  

saints35 bulls0 wrote:

I see no reason why Eastmond will suffer any more than any other halfback in the history of the game, including Sean Long.

The game has changed a lot now. These days you can expect every side to apply that tactic. Go back even ten years and I bet sides that did use this were probably in the minority.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:28 pm  

McClennan wrote:

The game has changed a lot now. These days you can expect every side to apply that tactic. Go back even ten years and I bet sides that did use this were probably in the minority.

which is a shame as it could lead to larger, less skillful halfbacks

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:42 pm  

I thought his defence was pretty good to be honest.

King went at him few times and he stopped few times.

A lot is beeing said about his defence but it's not as bad as being made out.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:14 pm  

St pete wrote:

A lot is beeing said about his defence but it's not as bad as being made out.

No, but it does need to improve further. He also needs to learn how to hold the ball more securely when being tackled. Him and Roby were probably responsible for most of our handling errors on Saturday night. He also needs to shut up around referees.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:50 pm  

If he wants to succeed in SL, he'll correct whatever errors exist in his defence. Provided you aren't concerned about getting the odd bang, tackling isn't a difficult skill to master.

OTOH, you can't teach everyone how to beat two men with a sidestep and a third with pace.