Quote: Richard1 "Johns played 9 for Oz yes, but he played 1st receiver on that tour (in effect half back) with Toovey having a 7 on his back playing dummy half all game. This was the 95 world cup i think. Lockyer was a fullback early on but basically played stand off in attack anyway. Both of the above during this time had the required skills to play in the halves. I have not seen Eastmond display a great kicking game or the organisational skills that could cross over to the international arena. I know he is only in his early 20's but iam sick of hearing the hype about the likes of Eastmond and Myler and not seeing what this hype wants me to believe. Eastmond can run like the wind but that trait alone will not make a good international 7. Iam sorry i dont agree with your optimistic view of our English SL half backs.'"
Prior to Eastmond getting injured, he was Saints best player, and many Saints fans tips for MOS. He was outstanding in many games at half back with an excellent and varied kicking game, and also set up a lot of play.
Problem is that because he has blistering pace some people get blinded by that, and all they see his him scoring great trys, and assume he is merely a runner.
Despite missing a third of the league season. Eastmond was Saints main go to kicker when on the field. This would not have been the case if he was merely a runner. A quick look at the SL stats shows he was eighth for number of attacking kicks last season. Not bad for a guy who played less than 20 games and a few of those he was playing on one leg.
