Constant Speculation is helping no-one

It seems that in the space of a few weeks, a section of the St Helens crowd have a new boo-boy.

Kyle Eastmond is a young man with plenty of potential in whatever he decides to do. For those who haven’t really been following the story, Eastmond, once tipped as part of a new golden era of halfbacks along with Richie Myler and Sam Tomkins, has been courted by Rugby Union for a few months with the issue finally coming to a head a couple of weeks ago.

While I felt Eastmond was particularly disappointing in the St Helens game with Warrington. Perhaps that was a mark on how strong the Wolves defence was but the halfback did appear pre-occupied and sent out some stray passes that would have looked even worse but for the athleticism of Jonny Lomax.

Kyle was then booed at the end of the game, which is a shame. At the end of the day, Eastmond is a professional sportsman and if his future is outside of this great game then so be it. I’m sure St Helens have other promising halfbacks coming through their plentiful system.

I don’t condone booing, I never have. The players we watch week in, week out are modern day gladiators and deserve more respect. Let’s face it, Eastmond is not a panto villain from yesteryear. Let him make his decision and then maybe the press and everyone else can return to reporting and watching what happens on the field (until Super League license time!).

I must admit, looking at Kyle, it seems that Eastmond isn’t enjoying his rugby. He looks pre-occupied and the sooner it is all sorted out the better.

If this was a few short years ago, Eastmond would have been sent back to the reserves until he got his head back on his game but I will guess that this will not happen in these modern times.

That said if this was a bit longer ago and the player was considering a move from Union to League, he would probably have been thrown out of his club by now! I’m glad that time has passed us!

Whatever his decision, there will be other players to watch, but let’s support them and not turn into baying footy fans!

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