funny this as not been locked like other threads until the club as made a official statement other than no comment

He shouldn't have reacted but what gives 'fans' the right to verbally abuse him, from a distance I might add, as he's leaving the field? Everyone involved is a moron.

I still can't help feeling that this is meat and drink to St Helens.

Surely they'll be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of unloading Eastmond early and not having to pay him the remainder of his contract.

His presence certainly seems to be doing more harm to them than good at the moment.

I agree that abusing players isn't on, but to be fair to some Saints fans, he has been absolutely dire this season. You can't help wondering if his new owners have told him to stay out of the action.

Chris Ashton got slated by all Wigan fans when he was offered peanuts by our then chairman and took a (reportedly) 100K + wage rise, which was a wise career move. His attitude was in question also with the shirt incident. Granted, Eastmond hasn't done that but if his performances are p*ss poor, he's sulking around and walking off the field without thanking fans, you can understand their grievances. They pay their money at the end of the day. I agree its a bit of both to be blamed really. Not handled well. At end of the day though these situations wouldn't be coming up if RL was defended a bit better by the RFL. Undoubtably, the international game in Union is far superior and is a great product. If Eastmond left for that reason and not money, thats his choice I guess.

This is what i would suspect.

Given his record with injuries, it could be prudent advice.

They can develop a young lad like Gaskell or Wheeler (their 6's but not huge difference between 6 and 7) if they're good enough, and bring in a big signing with the 200k wage freed up. Or they can invest in a quality 7 to replace him, so guess their situation ain't that bad. Never been 100% convinced by Eastmond when I've seen him the last few years. Few signs of class but also few signs of inconsistency and going missing in games.