KYLE Eastmond is looking forward to what he thinks is the biggest game in Rugby League today.
Saints v Wigan is a massive clash whatever the date and with the added spice of a Challenge Cup Final place at Wembley on the line, the atmosphere and intensity will crank up a couple of notches.
“It is a big game and the biggest in rugby league,” he said. “You can feel the magnitude of the game in training, it is something we have to be ready for and it is important that we prepare for it properly as a team and as individuals to give ourselves the best chance.
“I have been playing centre but I’m not sure where I will fit in this week. Francis Meli will hopefully be back and therefore I might be given a different role. But whatever helps the team I am happy to do.
“I am looking for a strong finish to the season. Things have turned around since the beginning for myself and the team too. We didn’t make the best start and hopefully myself and the team can kick on more and with better style.”
A couple of weeks into the season the 21-year-old announced his decision to sign for Bath RU at the end of the current campaign.
It had ramifications for both himself and the Club but thankfully it’s water under the bridge and fans are getting to see a glimpse of what Eastmond can do.
“It was a choice that took a long time to make,” he continued, “and the fans showed their disappointment in my leaving and I understand that. I thought I did the right thing to let the club know I was leaving early so they could sign players to replace me and that’s what they did. I don’t think I would do that differently.
“But I know the frustration I showed wasn’t right and I regret that 100 per cent. It was an emotional thing and I apologised for it. I made a decision to move on and I took the stick for it and it got to me. But I know I acted childish and I do regret that and I have grown up from it.
“It was a tough decision. I love the club and have been here since I was 11. But the opportunity presented was one I wanted to take.
“I have grown up over last 12 months as I have had to deal with a lot and I think I haven’t done too badly. I have got back in the team, I am playing decent rugby again and hopefully I have a chance of playing in the Semi Final of a Challenge Cup.
“It would be superb to get to Wembley but we know Wigan will be a tough challenge.
“Hopefully we can prepare properly, bring our best game we can do it.”