I think we have had the conversation several times. In a nutshell Kyle was struggling to physically handle Rugby League and was especially getting injuried in one and one tackles to the legs. A career on a rugby player is short and the way Kyle was going it was going to be Shawn Maggenis length. Kyle needed to cash in as quick as possible so wanted to get as good a contract out of Saints as possible. The final bridges were burnt by Saints fans that booed their own player simply because they simply didn't like him. In the end talented people will want to get the most out their career. No one boos McManus for going to Hong Kong to be a banker rather than working for Pilks.

He was very much up to it physically. The guys physique and pure strength and power was well ahead of his years. He was winning us games with his individual brilliance and was our most threatening player and our go to man.

Don't forget he was 18yrs old!

He was the most talented youngster we'd brought thru our system and I've no doubt would have gone onto be world class.

His worst injury was a shoulder injury.

Quite right. Easier job, much more money for doing far less work.

Whilst I have no wish to see him ill now, I don't reacall Kyle winning Saints any games on his own. For me this was the problem I had, the hype surrounding him was way above that which the reality portrayed.

He had a very electric running style, but he was not winning games on his own.

I remember a tight play off game at Knowsley Road against the Goons where he slid over to score and win the game for us.

Truth is he was utterly superb and would have massively improved this current England side. It's an enormous shame he moved to Union.

Spot on 2009 qualifying semi 14 - 10 versus the pies he was the difference between the teams. Then the week after he was the only scorer in the final against Leeds. If we had pulled it off that year it would have been all down to him. Strange saying that given how many so called Saints legends were in the team then. Odd how history is written isn't it

He was a really great talent, but he was no half back. Much like Lomax, he was shoehorned into a position to try and replace Long. Eastmond would have been a fantastic fullback but I don't believe he had the rugby intelligence to run the game. Matty Smith was the natural scrum half at the time but we treated him like dirt because he didn't have electrifying pace and an eye for a gap.

Wigan and Warrington games

+1

However, happens, players move on.

Couldn't disagree more. Had a good kicking and looked very assured at 1st receiver. No problems bossing people around - had the ego that a half needs.

People just don't seem to BELIEVE that a player can be quick AND an organiser.

I always liked Smith but he was only ever going to be a decent club player as his performances at international level has proved. Eastmond had the wow factor that an international needs. He was still a young gun when he left the Saints, if he had stayed he would be running the show now both at club and international level.

The mad thing is that when Tomkins, Eastmond and Myler all broke through about the same time, some people(including myself) argued that Myler was the better halfback, turned out right. Although Eastmond and Tomkins are far better players.