Really? How long has it been league produced someone like him? Jason Robinson was the last one of similar athletic ability.

SL isn't producing anything like the athletes it should be, look at the current England side for proof of that.

How many current youngsters are there around his level of athleticism and ability? I can't name any and I've certainly not seen anything like him at Saints since Alan Hunte.

Someone like a player even your own club coach wouldn't trust to play in his natural position in the key games of last season?

That was more to do with bodies than anything else. If he played Eastmond at 7, who could have played centre? Sean Long?



Answer the question, who else has SL produced that matches Eastmond for raw talent and athleticism? The NRL has them coming out of their ears, but we have zero.

You obviously missed Mils Mulaina playing full back for the All Blacks vs France last weekend.
The All Blacks also have Corey Jayne (sp?) who is similar but has to play on the wing due to Mulaina..
Likewise James Connor for the Aussies.
Just because the northern hemisphere struggles in this regard doesn't mean the total demise of the running fullback.

believe it or not there are many clubs that have produced players that match Eastmonds raw talent and athleticism.

I won't even be a "homer". I'll suggest Sam Burgess surpasses eastmond in terms of talent and athleticism for a start. I know he doesn't play for Saints so can't possibly be a world beater but........

Eastmond isn't Robinson yet, not by a long chalk so its' still a long time since any Sl club, including the "mighty S", produced a player like Robinson.

What do you mean by that?

Eastmond has good acceleration and can break tackles. He's solid in defence.

So can rob burrow.

...and Burrow has emerged into a very talented half back, which is something Robinson didn't and remains to be seen for Eastmond.

The big knock on Burrow; he doesn't play for Saints.

and there endeth the lesson.

For the record, I rate Eastmond very highly, and I think he should have won young player of the year this year rather than one step Tomkins!

I've been saying for the last few weeks that Eastmond playing regularly at 7 next season could well be the Man of Steel 2010. Wonder what odds I'll get?

I dunno. Saints are gonna be terrible next season.

I sort of agree with you there, I get the point you are making. SL is not exactly awash with top young talent that are capable of performing against NZ & Auz.

Admittedly I didn't see the All Blacks at all. But then they've always been an exception and about the only Union Nation that consistantly plays watchable rugby. (The French occasionally show some flair and are therefore built up by the Union press but equally often they resort to a dull forward dominated game).

Is it James O'Conner for the Aussies? If so I believe he's a converted fly-half with the kicking game to match (Perhaps I should have said a fullback who is [ireliant[/i on his running game is a liability - it's always going to be a useful back up but the kicking game is the no1 requirement)

Incidentally, O'Conner only played League as a Kid

]

Without wishing to labour the point, you may wish to read this from the BBC's web site:

"reliant[/i on his running game is a liability - it's always going to be a useful back up but the kicking game is the no1 requirement)

Incidentally, O'Conner only played League as a Kid'"