Indeed. But Wigan fans have a bit more perspective than Saints fans on the whole. Many Saints fans are so blinded by their hatred of Wigan and a general inferiority and insecurity complex that they can't see the damage being done to the game. Just look at the SC threads on which they insanely continue to deny reality like flat earthers confronted with photographs of the earth from orbit.

Years ago Saints fans told us that there wouldn't be defections to RU, or that they would only take the odd player who was at the wrong end of their career. Defections like Jason Robinson were dismissed as anomalies and nothing to be concerned about.

They continued to defend the status quo because they thought it would benefit their club, not caring about the obvious threat to the future of professional RL.

It would be very easy now to laugh at them, to say they are getting what they deserve, but I can't.

If Eastmond goes to RU it will be a bitter blow.

Unless RL discovers some ambition and starts planning to grow the game then the future for professional RL in this country looks pretty grim - a second rate sport played by second rate athletes in front of small crowds and with even less media coverage than it gets now.

I hope the Saints fans and other idiots who have posted on this board to defend the abject failure of the RFL and the SL clubs to manage and develop the game are happy.

im disapointed to see him go to be honest. He is a cracking player (when fit). Eastmond and tomkins would make a superp pairing for england. Saints will have his salery cap space to replace him.No doubt they will have their eye on someone. On the flip side it is saints were on about so anything that weekens their team is a bonus

On a serious note with the sky deal due for negotiation what are sky going to think when so called top names are defecting to RU, they pay there money to show a quality sport with the best talent on show and likewise so do the fans. If the quality of the product is diluted or the biggest names who draw people into the sport are leaving then sponsors and fans alike have every right to ask what are we getting for our money ?

It's okay the game still has Richie Mathers.

Good call ! Forgot about him

Personally if he goes I will be well gutted.
The potential of this kid holds no bounds and for me is a big blow for the game itself.
I remember when Ashton left you guys and didn't he hold up a RU shirt at the time.
As I have said previously when we lose our players to union it really pi55es me off no matter which club they play for.

i was told when chris ashton jumped to union, it was the biggest percentage pay rise for any one rugby player ever. Now i dont know that for sure but if it is true and eastmond has been offered similar then hey , who can blame him

We don't need a player who would rather be elsewhere. Tomkins and Racthford will do just fine for England!

Coincidence?

Sale sharks have announced on their official website that a new signing is to be announced at 7:45am tomorrow morning.

Somebody on the Virtual Terrace quoted that Wigan offered Ashton a big pay increase at £70k per season to stay. Northampton came in with £140k per season.

Bearing in mind that was three years ago and he is now the darling of English RU he could well be getting double that!

They dont give a crap who plays, viewing figures are king so we are safe ish for now imo.

That's a fair point but the RFL would argue that we have enough top names remaining in SL that it doesn't have much impact on Sky and the sponsors. Also, quite a few who 'crossed over' have come back.

On the other hand, Eastmond's age and undoubted potential is the most worrying aspect of this affair. It's the quality of players we are starting to lose now, not the quantity that bothers me.

Money talks hey