I hope so, so we can prepare for next season by trying other options at 7.

I believe it's voluntary.

so they dont have one then!

A bit like Warrington's view of the salary cap then?

How long does it take to learn how to pile on?

it wont be like when jason robinson went and union was only just professional, and they were amazed by his fitness and skill, imo kyles got a tough test ahead of him

Almost identical to the Chris Ashton situation

Its hard to deny the old chap has a point though, its virtually identical, and i can see a similar result come August

He does have a point, it's similiar.

The only real difference is that Ashton was marginalised at Wigan, first by the club bringing Radlinski back and then by Noble signing Withers with the reports at the time stating he was expected to replace Ashton.

We on the other hand showed that we were prepared to back Eastmond by letting Long go and then by giving him the number 7 shirt.

He also has to learn how to not freeze to death while nothing is happening and the fat boys trundle up the pitch for another scrum (which will collapse 3 times resulting in a penalty).

Maybe he can count his money in between scrums.

No,
Ashton was Wigans third top appearance maker in 2006 with 27 appearances, Radlinskis 5 games were all at centre.
In 2007 Withers was signed as back up, and Ashton was given the number one jersey.
Ashton made 22 appearances, Withers 7.

Stick him in the reserves and let him rot while his contract runs out.

what a ridiculous statement !

not that long ago he was the bees knees at KR - he has to play if he's fit enough and if the coach feels he's motivated enough - he played well at Perpignan on saturday and we still need him to do a job

I know this. Ashton was in my Fantasy League side at the time. But this is what he would have read,

[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/6211222.stm[/url

The key line being "Withers, who made 170 appearances for the Bulls, teams up again with his former boss Noble and is expected to take over the full-back role from youngster Chris Ashton"

But it didn't happen because Withers got injured

Ashton's own version of those events is different. He claims he was on sod all money at Wigan but union offered him 140k. He then went back to the Wigan management and offered to renew his contract there for half what union were offering. Wigan refused and off he went. He further claims he was not given the No.1 shirt, he was told in no uncertain terms that he was not in the top 13 or even the 17 or 19 and only in to cover injuries.

That's a bit different than how Eastmond was treated.

Harry Gratton said last night on the SuperLeague show that Saints offered to match £ for £ whatever Bath offered Eastmond.

well if we offered to match bath's offer, then i have more respect for kyle. Yes he'll probably make more ££ if he gets into the england setup, but thatll be a very tough ask for someone of his size and lack of toughness

Would imagine his lack of toughness is a major reason for him moving. In RU, he will touch the ball 3 or 4 times a game, and get tackled once a month. Chances of him hurting his delicate little body will be much reduced, allowing more time to preen himself.

If he gets caught in a ruck he'll never play again, being at the bottom of those is not fun!

It's not just his body, being the smallest player in the Guinness Premiership, I still question his HEART when he gets knocks and the game gets tough!

Then he made his intentions clear, and showed that he does not want to play for our club.

Well in that case, lets give a player who does want to play for us have a chance, and make sure our future is secure.

unfortunately thats not how professional sport works.
Quick question, if Jammer decides on the NRL, should we play him in the reserves?

with great respect - he hasn't signed for Bath with big ambitions for wearing an England shirt - it's a question of dosh - I would have taken the offer of more money like the vast majority of RL fans & players would have done - it's not rocket science
when & whenever he goes he will be replaced - not a great loss in any case IMO

what I care about is what happens on the pitch - as long as he or any other player goes on the pitch in Saints colours I expect him to give 100% for the club & fans.If he's the best man for the job in the coachs' eyes then he has to play,end of.
He did a good job at Perpignan IMO and is worth his place.
I know many players who don't want to be at their respective clubs in SL & below but it's their job,they either do it or get replaced.Remember,they are professionals !
If Kyle is attracted by more money like most normal human beings then good luck to him.
He's not a big loss IMO cos' I think he would have been a regular sick-note - good luck to him wherever he plays tho' I get the impression he won't last long at Bath.

but it has been stated Saints offered to match anything Bath offered

Do you really believe that?