Re: Sam Tomkins : Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:43 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

We need another Smith (debate as to his quality aside because I just don't want to go there again!).

I think Kyle will fully develop this side, and sooner rather than later. He already has excellent awareness of the players on the pitch and an all round skill set to make things easier for him. If we can keep him on the field next season, I think by the end of the year he'll be much more accomplished as the controlling player we want - he's streets ahead of where Long was at his age.


He's got it in him, the match that sticks in my mind was when he came on against Wigan at the DW last year and totally settled our team down and saw us through for the win in exactly the manner we're talking about. That's when both he and Tomkins had started to be getting regular games.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:46 pm  

his it true they call eastmond tampax in one week out three

Re: Sam Tomkins : Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:49 pm  

Big Steve wrote:

Pryce would have made a devestating full back - except that he doesn't have the heart of someone like wellens who would do anything to prevent a try or take a catch with disregard to his own safety.

He's funny like that, Pryce. I too get that impression, but then some weeks you see him really put himself about in defence, so I'm not sure. He does have a lot of size to stop people on the line, but tends to flap with his arms a bit.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:56 pm  

Classic from the Catalan game (away) earlier in the year that sums up Leon perfectly:

Lomax gets knocked clean out and goes off.

Wilkin gets a nasty cut to the head, goes into the dressing room has 14 internal stitches, 16 external stitches and goes back to the bench. Wilkin asks Lomax if he could borrow his scull cap just incase he has to go back on.

20 mins to go.......Joey Hayes comes running from the field....."Jon, get ready....you are going to have to go back on.........Leon's headache has got really bad."

Re: Sam Tomkins : Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:24 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

I like the idea of Wello at Loose Forward and could see it happening when he becomes too slow to play at full back anymore. Perhaps the reason we haven't yet signed a recognised out and out Loose Forward and rather just players to cover that position.

That's a bit of a short term view isn't it? Wellens is 30 already. How many more years does he have in his legs?

Re: Sam Tomkins : Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:07 pm  

In last year's Four Nations, I thought Tomkins clearly looked better than Eastmond, I stated as much on here. The SL Grand Final was the next time I saw him play and he looks even better. Reminds me a bit of Josh Dugan in a way.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Mon Oct 11, 2010 6:01 pm  

CGD wrote:

In last year's Four Nations, I thought Tomkins clearly looked better than Eastmond, I stated as much on here. The SL Grand Final was the next time I saw him play and he looks even better.

Kyle Eastmond wasn't playing in the Grand Final, so how can you compare them then?

As for the Four Nations, at that point Sam Tomkins had had more first team game time than Kyle Eastmond so he should have progressed further. However, to pretty much everyone's mind bar those of Wigan fans, they are both equal but different. It's like comparing chalk with cheese comparing those two. They have very different games but both are highly skilled in their own style. That is why they would make a great halfback pairing at international level and had Kyle been fit, they would both now be down under.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Mon Oct 11, 2010 6:29 pm  

Kyle Eastmond had a sensational Four Nations tournament last year. At that point, I knew we had a star it's just a shame injuries have ruined his year this time round. Keep Kyle fit and there isn't alot between him and Tomkins talent wise.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Mon Oct 11, 2010 6:30 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

Kyle Eastmond wasn't playing in the Grand Final, so how can you compare them then?

As for the Four Nations, at that point Sam Tomkins had had more first team game time than Kyle Eastmond so he should have progressed further. However, to pretty much everyone's mind bar those of Wigan fans, they are both equal but different. It's like comparing chalk with cheese comparing those two. They have very different games but both are highly skilled in their own style. That is why they would make a great halfback pairing at international level and had Kyle been fit, they would both now be down under.

No he hadn't.

Re: Sam Tomkins : Mon Oct 11, 2010 7:07 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

Kyle Eastmond wasn't playing in the Grand Final, so how can you compare them then?

As for the Four Nations, at that point Sam Tomkins had had more first team game time than Kyle Eastmond so he should have progressed further. However, to pretty much everyone's mind bar those of Wigan fans, they are both equal but different. It's like comparing chalk with cheese comparing those two. They have very different games but both are highly skilled in their own style. That is why they would make a great halfback pairing at international level and had Kyle been fit, they would both now be down under.

No they arent equal. Only a saints fan would think that. Tomkins has by far the better game and its frightening how good he can go on to be. Tomkins can do everything eastmond can but better, except for ducking under a tackle and getting injured