SAINTS starlet Kyle Eastmond will get another test of his Super League mettle when he he comes up against his old master in the opening game of the season.

Eastmond, who was this week handed the number seven jersey, will come face to face with previous incumbent Sean Long in the first game of 2010 on Saturday, February 6.

It promises to be a mouthwatering tussle - as much as home fans will find it strange to see Long wearing another club’s colours.

Eastmond is currently in negotiations with Saints chairman Eamonn McManus to extend his contract at Knowsley Road. His current one expires at the end of 2010.

Both Eastmond and his agent Martin Offiah will be keen to push their claims for a much improved contract on the back of an eye-catching Four Nations series.

It presents Saints with a dilemma.

Eastmond is hot property - and the roars from England fans every time he touched the ball in Saturday’s final at Leeds is an indication of the excitement and box office potential the 20-year-old Oldhamer generates.

But for all that he is still unproven at the highest level, on a week-to-week basis.

Although Saints will be keen to have Eastmond signed up as soon as possible, the salary cap is a major constraint.

The chairman is probably shrewd enough not to do that at the expense of losing more players off the roster further down the line.

Saints have other crown jewels they need to protect too and already there will be some focus on James Graham, whose contract expires at the end of 2011.

Graham’s performances in the Four Nations - and in the domestic seasons before that - will not have gone unnoticed Down Under.

And further to that Saints will have ten members of their first team squad coming off contract at the end of next season.

All will be giving McManus food for thought as he sits down with Eastmond to talk shop this week.

Meanwhile Saints and Wigan will revive one of the most traditional clashes in rugby league when they take on each other during the festive period.

They will lock horns at the GPW Recruitment Stadium on December 27 (3pm) in a friendly.

Coach Mick Potter said: “I know this fixture was a traditional meeting between the two sides in the past and I’m hoping the fans will come and support the teams as they prepare for the new season.

“We will be fielding a blend of youth and some more experienced players and will hope for a good start to our pre-season campaign.”