Eastmond to succeed Long

Eastmond: Rising star

He has grown lots as a player and I know it's an old cliche but the world is his oyster, it really is

James Graham
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England prodigy Kyle Eastmond is tipped to go far as the officially named successor to scrum-half Sean Long at St Helens.

The rising star, who burst onto the international scene during England's Four Nations campaign, was allocated the number seven jersey on Saints' new squad list.

The versatile 20-year-old has played in every back position for Saints this season and appeared at centre in the Grand Final against Leeds, but has been chosen to fill Long's scrum-half boots following his departure to Hull.

"He played excellently at centre this year but I'd rather have him in the middle of the park where he can get his hands on the ball a bit more," said Eastmond's England and St Helens colleague James Graham.

"He has grown lots as a player and I know it's an old cliché but the world is his oyster, it really is.

"I remember him as a 16-year-old and thinking, 'If he keeps his feet on the ground, he can go all the way' and he's starting to get there."

Saints' vacant number four jersey has been handed to newly-signed Sia Soliola, while prop Nick Fozzard has reclaimed the number eight shirt following a season at Hull KR.

Meanwhile, academy players Jack Bradbury and Lee Gaskell have been promoted by coach Mick Potter into the Super League squad.