Cross-code legend Jason Robinson believes St Helens youngster Kyle Eastmond could be a better player than he was.

The 20-year-old's rapid rise to prominence continued yesterday as he was named at scrum-half in England's side for their Gillette Four Nations clash against New Zealand tomorrow.

Eastmond has excelled across the back line for Saints this season and looks set to take over the club's coveted number seven shirt from the departed Sean Long next year.

His pace and running style have brought many comparisons with a young Robinson, but the former Wigan and Great Britain star feels Eastmond is even more gifted.

"Kyle is a very talented young lad," said 35-year-old Robinson, who went on to win the rugby union World Cup with England after a glittering league career.

"I've spoken to Kyle. He's been likened to myself but in many ways I wasn't as talented as him at his age, with his ball-handling skills and his kicking.

"He can certainly score a try as well. He is a very exciting young player."

Eastmond, who scored all of Saints' points in their 18-10 Super League Grand Final loss to Leeds last month, has featured off the bench in England's Four Nations campaign to date.

But with victory required against the Kiwis at the Galpharm Stadium following last week's loss to Australia, coach Tony Smith feels now is the time to promote him to the starting line-up.

Eastmond will partner another rising star, Wigan's Sam Tomkins, at half-back in one of a number of changes made by Smith with a place in the final at stake.

"It is an excellent opportunity for him," Robinson added. "He will relish the challenge.
"He will go out there and give it his best. Hopefully he will do well.

"He has got a great attitude and backs that up with ability. He has got a bright future ahead."

Robinson is now the head coach of Guinness Premiership side Sale Sharks but remains a keen follower of the 13-man game.

He hopes England will have learned the lessons from their Kangaroos disappointment - a plucky 26-16 defeat after trailing 26-0 at half-time - to catch out the world champions in Huddersfield.

"England were obviously disappointed with the first half last week," said Robinson, who made 19 international appearances in rugby league.

"To concede so many points in the first half leaves a mountain to climb but they showed good character to come back.

"But you have got to start off better and you can't afford to give world-class teams so many opportunities.

"They have got another opportunity this week.
"They have got to make sure they perform consistently over the 80 minutes and it is going to be a very tough game, but they are capable of doing it."