Should we be interested?

Reportedly walked out on Bath during half time of a recent cup game at Sale. Claimed he'd had enough of union and wanted to return to league (as reported in today's Times).

Would certainly provide some zip in the halves although maybe he's already in the crosshairs of the good doctor's sights.

No thanks, Eastmond is a problem child and we don't entertain players like him. He offers little more than Burrow other than age and he IMO is a money only man. Sounds like a good fit for Salford who like the money grabbers ! Why would Salford want him when the have chase and Smith ? Hull need a half back and would expect him to join the underachievers ! It's a marriage made in heaven

I really like Eastmond but there are few players, in recent times, who have left League to play Union then returned a better player - Smith, Harris, Walker, Paul.

Union ruins League players.

He has more talent in his little toe than Burrow. Any self respecting ambitios club should be in a que for this kid.

If he was available, the Rhinos would be foolish not to be interested. However do I see happening, answer no.

Talented, yes.

Disciplined and able to thrive in a strict team structure, no.

Which is why he'll be a good fit somewhere, but not at Leeds. Any player who walks out on his team at half time in a game should be a massive red flag to any potential employers.

Correct

He treated Saints like mugs as well

I don't no, young man badly advised, makes a lifestyle mistake regrets it and wants out. Hardly blame the lad.think he is worth a punt for the right price still young enough to make a big impact in his natural game

I think he'd make a really good full back



just saying!!

To all the people who would 'have him' who would you drop and why?

If you believe some of the posters on here we need a new 1,6,7 to get back to winning ways!!

You replace ones not as good as him. That's the whole point of strengthening. With particular emphasis on age.

In terms of talent he'd walk into any team in the league, in fact how he isn't in the England RU team is bizarre (is he injured?) He's different class to Tomkins and Twelvetrees. However, is he the kind of character you want in the dressing room?

Didn't Ali give up on New Zealand Warroris, even prepared to quit the game ?

Bet you wish we never signed that trouble causing rogue as well.

not answered the question there fully Gotcha



Now, that is a very good point regarding Ali as I even admit back in the day I had my reservations regarding us signing him. Now In all fairness I think he was a one off as he settled very well and has proved to be one of the best signing's we have ever made. However in the context of things I would say he is a 'one off' as Eastmond appears to have screwed over two clubs now

Simple answer?


No

He has done a great job at Bath in the centres, was outstanding on the England tour to Argentina then finds that useless lump Joel Tomkins selected ahead of him in an England shirt for the Autumn internationals.
I don't know what was going on at Bath but if it was an LV cup game then he may be rightly feeling he's suddenly a 2nd class citizen at his club as well. I'Ce seen him at Bath, he' been patient and played a team role.
Would I take a chance on him at Leeds? Absolutely. His pace and passing make are as good as ever. The main doubt I would have would be his fitness. He seems awfully injury prone at the moment.
Who would you drop? I think it's obvious.

Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are all a similar age and on the wind down of their careers so another half presence might be good for the club. He and Sutcliffe could be 6-7 for years to come. That's looking on the bright side, he's obviously trouble and we'd be bonkers to take him on, especially considering that now we've signed a hooker a front row enforcer is what we need.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a one year deal at Salford, playing fullback.

He's had decent potential, and can get back to that. Won't achieve more, as an individual or in a team, as Burrow, Mcguire or Sinfield.

Too many character concerns for us or another of the big teams.

I would take a punt on him for the right price. You can't doubt his quality. As for his attitude it does pose an issue. However over the years we've brought in a couple of "head jobs" and turned them around with the correct environment and management (Ali, Barry even Bailey to a certain extent).

As for where he fits, I'm sure all the armchair coaches will disagree but I'd pair him in the halves with Mags and push Sinny back to loose

An unfit McGuire would be my choice to drop - not getting any younger and lost his speed IMO

if eastmond does return to league and thus lose out on the mega bucks on offer should he stay in the kick and clap brigade,then imo he won't be remotely interested in joining a club like leeds who have a rigid pay structure

I agree. Would probably be looking for a big pay packet. An ideal "marquee" signing for a club like Hull.

Eastmond is a very gifted young rugby player with real attacking class which is so rare these days. He has great running and passing skills and if Leeds were to get the chance we should grab it with both hands and he could pay for himself with the increased gate money that he should produce. He would slot into several positions but IMO stand off would be best then perhaps fullback.

Returning to League would be something of a coup for our sport and the RFL should try and support a move as the RFU will no doubt be working hard to prevent it. He has the ability to take over the Sam Tomkins SL golden boy role. Is there some rule regarding Union Internationals not counting on the cap?

He is not the first talented sportsman to have off the field problems and he won't be the last but these can be managed and young men eventually mature. Certainly worth the risk but I guess this matter will soon be resolved and we will soon see him in an England RU jersey which he could retain for some years to come.