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

rlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/6211222.stmrl

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

Or watched another game all season or paid for their own ticket.

Lighten up.

That's not the impression I get. Eastmond has repeatedly said that his interest in RU was lit when Clive Woodward gave him the VIP tour when he was a kid. Since then he's been keen on pitting himself against the best in a sport which has a considerably higher media profile. Basically, he wants to become a household name and enjoy the trappings that come with it. Which is something that League simply cannot offer him at the moment.

As for his wages - I suspect that Saints probably have matched Bath's salary offer. However, it is common for high-profile league converts to have numerous paymasters in Union. Very often players are staked additional sums by ERU (amongst others) as it is very much in its interest that they succeed (especially when the World Cup is drawing close and pressure to do well is mounting). Which means there would be no inconsistency between Saints' claim that they have matched BATH'S offer and him leaving because Union is paying more money.