England call for Eastmond

RISING St Helens star Kyle Eastmond will today be handed some consolation for Saturday’s Grand Final defeat when he is named in the England squad for the Gillette Four Nations series.

The 20–year–old Oldhamer will clinch a place in coach Tony Smith’s 24–man squad on the back of an impressive display for his club in their 18–10 defeat by Leeds.

Utility back Eastmond, whose electric running has drawn comparisons with former dual–code international winger Jason Robinson, was Saints’ outstanding player and scored all their points with a try and three goals.

He made only three substitute appearances in the first half of the campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery in the close season but appeared in 14 of Saints’ last 19 matches and has been tipped by Sean Long as his successor.

“St Helens are in good hands with Kyle,” said Long. “He’s electric on his feet and he knows the script.”

Eastmond has started matches at centre and both half–back positions — and that versatility, allied to his goal–kicking, appeals to Smith.

Smith went for youth for the mid–season international against France, and his decision to omit experienced centre Martin Gleeson from his train–on squad is another example of his ‘changing–of–the–guard’ policy.

England kick off the Four Nations with a match against the French at Doncaster on October 23 before taking on Australia at Wigan on October 31 and New Zealand at Huddersfield a week later.

Meanwhile, majority shareholder Bill Quinn and chief executive Chris Hamilton were expected to hold more talks today in a bid to sort out the ownership of Oldham.

Mr Quinn has 75-per-cent of the shares in Oldham Rugby League Club (1997) Ltd and Mr Hamilton holds the remaining 25-per-cent.

The two met for talks last week in an attempt to end the impasse so the Roughyeds can start making firm plans for next season.