Get the mops ready for Conroy's shed tears.

How is his arm doing? It would've been nice to see him play against us on Friday.

I think his fate as a Saints player rests solely on how Kyle plays, if he does well, we won't see him again i think. I actually thought he would make a good hooker, in the same mould as lulu at wigan, a 7 who suits 9 better.

He should be the replacement. I hope he is. I think he is better than Eastmond by far (at this stage).

on what evidence? I don't think we've seen enough of either to make a decision.

On a seperate note the have been rumours of Kyle's attitude, but Matty is a nice a guy as you'll ever meet. Not that thats as important as playing ability.

Yeh Matty is a quality guy, met him once or twice in Bridgend, but like you said that has nothing to do with his ability.



Personally, I think he's probably better than Eastmond at the moment, but Kyle's got a couple of years on him. Would be really disappointed to see him leave the Crusaders. I think he'd become a focal point for the team if he became a permanent signing.

the honest truth is that none of us know the club's plans for him. I would like to see him given another shot at saints, if he could make it playing wise, he could be a future captain.

The brutal truth is that he just isnt good enough for a team of St Helens calibre. He would go well at a second tier team.

Have we seen Eastmond play a full game at 7?

Have we seen Eastmond play a consistent run of games at 7?

Have we seen Eastmond play 7 against a top team?

Can Eastmond control a game?

Can he stay injury free?



etc.



Look, i'm not denying Eastmond is a very good prospect but as of yet, we have seen nothing IMO to suggest he can definately be the future number seven. He is being touted based on what? The fact that he has pace and is talked up by everybody.

The problem with Smith is that he's had the other things you mention, but he's never really done the one in bold.

Matty's not having a great season injurywise, though is he?

My point is we havn't seen enough of either of them to make a judgement.

Yes against Bradford was last full game he played.







No.







Eastmond has 24 first team appearances for Saints, to Smiths 17 for Saints

In addition Smith has 8 appearances for Celtic.

So its pretty safe to say that Eastmond has played against nearly as much top class opposition as Smith.







not yet, but then neither can Matty Smith. The ability to control a game comes with experience.







Can any player? At this stage he is no more injury prone than Matty Smith