Eastmond to continue

Eastmond: Will continue against Sheffield

Kyle Eastmond will continue his run in the St Helens side in the Challenge Cup on Saturday with Saints enduring an injury crisis.

The England half-back made his first appearance for the club in the 24-24 draw with Hull on Monday since he was discpilined for making abusive gestures to fans in March.

The 21-year-old is bound for union-side Bath next season but Saints coach Royce Simmons recalled him following injuries to five senior half-backs.

It means Eastmond will again line up against Sheffield Eagles this weekend, and he will be looking to build on a rusty performance at the KC Stadium.

“I hope he plays better but I thought he did play better as the game went on,” said Simmons.

“I thought at the back end of the game he started to run the ball a bit more. He got a couple of really good kicks away late in the game when we were under a bit of pressure.

“You’ve got to remember he hasn’t played for three or four weeks and both those games were for the Under-20s so he will be rusty.

“I’ve got no doubt he will be better next week. It wasn’t a poor performance but he will certainly get better.”

Simmons will clearly be glad when the whole Eastmond saga is over.

“I think it’s all been dealt with and done,” he said. “I’m sick of talking about it to be honest. It’s been going on and on so I’m making a rule now not to talk about it.”