Now I don't want to start a full blown argument with saints fans but I was reading their board, and they are claiming Eastmond to be 'soft' and going missing when it gets tough at times, now what I want to know is, is that the main difference between him and Sam?

For example, Sam gets taken out by Carl Ablett at Leeds not long back, and gets straight back up. Would Eastmond have done the same? I'm not so sure. Or is he just injury prone, if that exists?

Now, I am not doubting Eastmond's ability as a rugby player, as he is an excellent prospect for both St Helens and England but, when both are fit, have we got the better player in Sam, or are they too good to be seperated?

I cannot wait to see Kyle and Sam playing 6 and 7 for England, hopefully finally getting a few over the Aussies in the next decade.

Tomkins is hard as nails, Kyle may just be "injury prone". How can they question a players toughness when they had Long playing for so many years. Always injured.

Cause not.



I'd like to have Eastmond at Wigan, just like I'm sure Saints fans would like to have Tomkins at their place. Two great players.

This thread is as pointless as Latics currently are.

i think as supporters we can all agree on this!

Saints fans are obviously better qualified to comment on Eastmond than we are. From what I've seen of him, I'd love to have him in a Wigan shirt. That said, I wouldn't swap Sam Tomkins for any other player on the planet at present.

I think there's a much bigger contrast between Sam and Richie Myler, who was also being tipped as the next GB halfback. While Myler's a wiley player, he doesn't seem to have half the pace or vision that Sam Tomkins has. He was put into open space last weekend, and looked like he was running in sand. There's no question in my mind that we have vastly the better of the two in this particular case.

To be fair, it was basically one child saying Kyle was "soft".

Eastmond played every game until an ankle injury that kept him out for a few months (hardly a "niggle" you can run off) and has picked up a bang on the hip at the weekend which is unlikely to see him miss next weekend.

Tomkins is, though, a real tough cookie from what I've seen. Not to mention a hell of a player.

Adding Myler into the picture, where do you fit all 3 into an England side for the 4 nations, with Widdop looking good at full back?

Would you seriously play Myler in the English halves against Australia?

Myler wouldn't figure in my side and nor would Widdop.

1 Tomkins
6 McGuire
7 Eastmond

I know McGuire has had a couple of bad games internationally, but he's had a few good ones too and is having a great season. Tomkins looks very dangerous indeed at full back and has more big match experience than Widdop.

Myler would be in my squad but wouldn't play unless 2 of Widdop/Tomkins/McGuire/Eastmond were injured.

no

You don't, Tomkins and Eastmond are miles ahead. I'd also go as far as saying there are several English half-backs that I'd rather have ahead of Myler anyway.

Myler is the most overated player in sl

Both are awesome players and would be made up if they were both in the Wigan squad for a long time.

However, it is worrying how much Eastmond gets injured. I watched him quite abit at academy and reserve level and it became regular to hobble off or go down clutching his arm/shoulder. I've spoke to a few of his old academy/reserve team mates who thought the same.. It's nothing to do with him being soft, it's to with a horrible cycle of injuries that happen to some players.

I just hope he doesn't become another Nigel Wright.

Myler still has alot to learn, probably down to being younger. Hopefully learning off Briers will help, as for him being overated, you don't have the stats he has if you haven't got something about you.

Say what you like about Long - and I've said as much as most - but you can't question the guy's on the field toughness.

The point was that people were questioning Kyles toughness when Long himself got injured alot.

Myler is a good player but nowhere near as good as Eastmond. Tomkins is better than both. Much more of an all round player.

100% Agree.

Sam is fast becoming a very very dangerous Full Back, watch the highlights from yesterdays game and notice him joining the line on the 4th tackle play, his work for Richards opening try was nothing short of brilliance. He is the most exciting this to come out of Wigan in years.

Obviously the threat from him joining the line is massive but do you not think he's too much of an easy target back there?

In what way?

His defence position is very good plus the fact his attack is second to none no brainer for me

Would have both Sam and Eastmond in the halves against the Aussies and let them play their natural game....Aussies dont like "off the cuff" rugby and these 2 are very dangerous....also liked the look of Widdop as well....these 3 could cause some damage.....as for Myler...no thanks....never rated him and he has been demoted by a hooker.

The Ablett incident for example, him catching high kicks leaves him at the mercy of dirty players, especially if there is a bit of biff in the game?

And the clueless post of the year award goes to......

It will happen to most players sam got straight back up we got a penalty (he should have gone) let them do it he's tough enough