I hope I'm wrong but a mere 2 yr deal will only result in his eventual defection to RU being even bigger news, assuming he progresses as he should. It's a shame he isn't on a 4 or 5 yr deal. Could the fact that he's not a local lad have a bearing?

Maybe Saints didn't offer enough to make him want to sign for longer / Offiah wanted to much for a longer deal?

Exactly, we can all see what's going to happen it's just a matter of time.

I'm with you Nicky it won't be long until rumors start surfacing once again about Eastmond's future. All Kyle needs now are two years of scintillating form and he'll then be able to name his price, whether that's in League or Union will probably come straight down to who'll offer the most.

Are we all glad about S Tomkins contract situation or what.

It's a real weight off the mind for everyone in the short term. I suppose when it comes down to it though a contract means little if Union come calling with the cash. No club could afford to turn down huge money for a player but we needn't worry at the moment.

Saints on the other hand.............

All sorts of rumours went around the place. One I heard was that Stanton was promised X amount of games and never got it, went in a huff & ended up at Leigh.

Didn't Shaun Wane drop him from the final?

Takes no s--t Wane.

I bet he doesn't.

I certainly wouldn't mess with him and I bet non of the players ever say a word out of turn to him either.

I know that Wane said on the radio that he hoped to get involved with training on physical level, anybody know whether he does?

I've heard him say he has been having the Reserves smash into each in training - to the extent some have had busted noses etc.

Darren Fletcher for U18's coach is gathering a bit of momentum now. Anyone know much about his background?

Re the Eastmond deal, I think it works well for both parties to be honest. From Saints point of view, and virtually all our fans would agree, despite the massive potential he is still a bit unproven as a week in week out scrum half. He has probably only played in that position half a dozen or so times.

It gives us 2 years to monitor his development, if he doesn't come on as much as hoped then we aren't tied in to a massive contract for 5 years or so. On the other hand, if he shows he can do it, then we will have to lay down big bucks in 2 years time, but we do have a very good record at retaining good players

Like the earlier poster said though about Tomkins, it only takes a big offer to come in and perhaps the lad would be knocking on the door for more money, as loyal a Wigan player as I'm sure he is, it's a short career and a contract signed as a teenager wouldn't surely match up to one that could be offered to a world class player in his early to mid twenties

But it doesn't.
It only gives you one year. His contract runs out in 2011 when he will become free agent.
So if Saints want to keep him or get a fee for him they will have to renegotiate his contract again next year.

Offiah and Eastmond are holding all the aces.

Suppose it depends how much he can prove in one year if you turn it on it's head. Come renegotiation time, he might still be classed as 'potential', and therefore have less bargaining power . If he has 'proved it', we can start talking about a contract worthy of a top class scrum half. Sounds great to me. At least he's not in a Sale shirt To me Saints and Offiah are just treading carefully with 2 years, Offiah not wanting to sell him short for the long term and Saints not wanting to over commit to early for a player who, despite fantastic raw ability, has played very few games at SH and has not yet showed he can direct a team around the field

www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 79,00.html Looks like all of us were pretty much spot on. Eastmond will play for Saints for the next couple of years while he increases his value, so that he can then demand an even bigger contract from either League or Union. Nice little plan of action there from Offiah, thank god he isn't S Tomkins's manager.

www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 79,00.html Looks like all of us were pretty much spot on. Eastmond will play for Saints for the next couple of years while he increases his value, so that he can then demand an even bigger contract from either League or Union. Nice little plan of action there from Offiah, thank god he isn't S Tomkins's manager.

The more and more I read Offiahs comments/opinions in the paper/SSN, the more I can't stand him.

Get him towd at the club shop tomorrow.

I said to my dad last night that for a Wigan legend i don't half think he's a complete tos*er!

He doesn't give a sh*t about these youngsters careers aslong as he lines his own pockets.