I don't think Eastmond was signed as the solution for half back. I think he was signed as back up on the basis that only half his salary would count towards the salary cap and if he was a roaring success then great but if not, it provided us cover in a number of backs positions.
I don't think him leaving changes much as a few youngsters have shown this season that they can step up. It would have been nice to have him as half cover, however, he was a long way off and Lui and McLelland are nearly fit again.
I think we would have been in for a big name half next season regardless of Eastmond's announcement today as based on his minimal appearances, he was nowhere near.