Actually W71 I wasn't taking issue with you. However in relation to scrums I am at polar opposites to you. I see them purely as a means of creating room and opportunities. Much like a line of scrimmage in NFL.
The joke I think is now in Union where they last an age and have to be constantly re set. According to a friend of mine who coaches and refs in Union, who gets penalised and why in their scrum is a total lottery. Let them have their shoving contest, we have moved on, and I for one am glad.

As much as I do enjoy a contested scrum and a trapped ball by the loose...the modern scrum...which is unofficially uncontested is still not a joke. It is in essence a penalty in which the forwards are removed for the first play...you could say it's a power play.

A few media outlets are reporting that we are in the driving seat to sign him for the 2019 season.

Yes I understand but In NFL the scrimmage is contested though.

The scrum in RL [icould[/i still be contested [iand [/icreate space for the backs.

The rules on scrums, or play the ball for that matter(striking out may have), haven't been changed as far as I'm aware.

Gone back to Bath apparently. I believe we were confidant of signing him yesterday.

your usual rumour mill, or is that public? Link?

I don't have one. Just grapevine.
I hope it's wrong. Yesterday we were at that 'nailed on' position.
I'm more cautious following Barba Williams and Tompkins..... However just got another word now it's still on the table at Warrington.

Come on.

Probably gone back to Barrth with a fatter wallet Eh Duckie ?

Can’t say I’m overly bothered.

Big risk isn't it. it would grab some headlines for sure, but having a player sign a marquee contract for x years who has not played the sport for 7 years and has a history of injury 'issues' cant be described as anything else.

Doesn't mean to say he cant go on to be a massive success, but still risky.

Has he had injury since his comeback?
I know he missed nearly 2 month with suspension...plus he looked out of shape to me.

Eastmond would be an expensive punt.

He *was* an exceptional RL talent, but left the code at 21/22. He's about to turn 29.

He's given his peak years to RU. Let's not kid ourselves, the Eastmond returning is not the Eastmond that left.

He's a slightly below average 29 yo RU player.

I'll be glad if he's not joining at that price. If he came here on a low wage to prove himself and earn a big contract, I'd have absolutely no problem with that at all. No bitterness from me over his decision to leave.

Been reaffirmed to me...he's already a Wire. Signed but not released I'm told.

IF he does come, it's exciting and he'll come with something to prove. However, as Jimathay stated, Eastmond is an "expensive punt" and I'm in the we should go shopping elsewhere 'camp'

Hope it's untrue

Crumbs RD that's a quicker retreat than Napoleon from Russia.

Don't see the logic in it. If it's because Roberts is off at the end of the season, then I'm extremely worried that this is how we are looking to build. That cap money could be spent so wisely somewhere else. I hope I'm wrong but I feel another 'laughing stock of Super League' moment heading our way

Which would be a shame after all the hard work done over the last 12 months to transform the club. As I say, I really hope I'm proved to be wrong and eat my words.

Be real. If Eastmond is earning 300k plus in Union he's not going to sign at a low wage for anyone. He can get a contract with a low-grade Union team for the same money and have an easy if boring last 3-4 years of his playing career.

Why should anyone be a 'laughing stock' for trying to acquire top talent? It doesn't always pay off, but where in the UK are our directors going to find anyone as good as (even the 2018 to date disappointing ) Roberts? Eastmond would be a bold move, but it shows just how genuinely committed to this club are Simon Moran and Stuart Middleton. It's not long ago that I recall many posters on this board convinced that these two were simply Tony Smith's mates who were happy to accept mediocrity. Personally I think it's exciting that they back their advice to 'gamble' on Sandow, Roberts, Hiku ( remember him?) and maybe now Eastmond.

He's already been Bath and Wasps so there's only Leicester of the English rich clubs left so I doubt very much he'd be able to command the same money, he'd have to sign for a French RU club outside of the big 3 English.
The alternative is to look to league to the big clubs to match it.

Whatever, still wouldn't sign for low wages.

What would he do then?

Lot of negativity on here about the possible signing of Eastmond. Can anyone come up with someone with more potential should either Brown or Roberts leave us next year ? Very few options in current market. It could be a risk but brave and ambitious from the Board and statement of intent.