The way I would look at it is not just completely dropping Eastmond but only using him if Gaskell is struggling or not ready for some of the bigger games. If it is announced next season we have to start developing Gaskell otherwise next season, if we don't recruit, we'll be inn the same position with Gaskell without having Eastmond as a safety blanket.

If Gaskell is good enough he will come through Im sure. Just think that if Saints mean buisiness this year that have to play the best players especially for the big games.

I agree with that, which is why I would play Eastmond when Gaskell is out of his depth. But I would give Gaskell every possible opportunity to play whenever we can, otherwise we could potentially have a first choice halfback with very little experience next season. At least if we blood Gaskell now and use Eastmond when we need him we can still be competitive this season and next season. Ignoring the fact that Eastmond is going and not using Gaskell would be a very short term look on things and could cause us serious problems in the future, if Eastmond does leave.

I would still tend to use Eastmond for the majority of games though. Maybe how much Saints use Gaskell will be an indication of our intent next year. Im not sure if we may still buy in some experience for a year or two.

I suppose it's a bit like the Chris Ashton situation.

Ashton announced that he was leaving Wigan at the end of the 2007 season, the announcement was made in mid March.
He carried on playing for Wigan but put in some less than convincing displays, so eventually Wigan released him mid August.

I really hope Eastmond stays in RL, but have heard so many rumours that it is looking increasingly unlikely.

RugbyTimes: Seems like it is 'Welcome to Bath Kyle Eastmond' Remember where you read about it first. Bit different to Oldham for the lad!
21 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®
Retweeted by SaleRugbyNews

Don't know if there is anything in it
but proper twitters, i think

Think I'll wait till the fat lady sings before I believe it.

Me too.

Just keeping you up and dated!

Will be interesting to see if he says a big good bye at the end of the game.

Your to good to us you are

at least Rogues ain't giving you bad news.

Small mercies and all that.

Also, Long has a calf injury. I'd stay WELL away if i were you.

The two idiot commentators are saying they have been told off the record that Eastmond is staying at St Helens.

Would be awesome if true. I would then strip at the Willows next time we play there.