Eastmond has been at St Helens since he was 12 years old (Getty)

St Helens half-back Kyle Eastmond has signed a new contract to stay at the club until the end of the 2010 season.

The 19-year-old has made five appearances for Saints so far this season, including a spectacular solo try in the Good Friday win over Wigan.

"This continues our policy of tying up home-grown talent," said St Helens chief executive Tony Colquitt.

"Kyle is an exciting prospect and, if he continues to develop, will be essential to the future of the team."

Oldham-born Eastmond has been at St Helens since he was 12 and graduated through the club's productive academy system.

He is seen as a potential successor to former Great Britain scrum-half Sean Long, and his electrifying pace has drawn comparisons with Wigan great Jason Robinson.