Rhinos secure Eastwood signing
Tuesday, 26 Aug 2008 18:09
Greg Eastwood (pictured, number 14) is a Kiwi international at 21
Leeds Rhinos have signed New Zealand international Greg Eastwood from NRL side Brisbane Broncos on a three-year contract.
The 21-year-old will join the Headingley Carnegie side from the start of the 2009 season and will link up with former Kiwis head coach Brian McClennan, who is now in charge of the Rhinos.
"I have followed Greg’s progress for a few years having watched him come through the ranks with the Junior Kiwis and then develop through the Broncos system," McClennan said.
"I gave him his debut in 2006 for New Zealand in the Anzac Test and he was very good on that day.
"He is still only 21 so that means that we are getting a player who has huge potential and is at the early stage of his career."
He continued: "Greg's style will suit the Rhinos, he is a quiet and humble lad who will fit in well with our players.
"He has great versatility having played on the wing, centre, stand off and second row for the Broncos and has even filled in at dummy half, despite being 105kg, at times this season. He is very skilful and I am excited about what he will bring to the Rhinos."
Eastwood is only in his third year of professional rugby league, but has already scored 15 tries in his 62 top-grade appearances to date.
And he said he is looking forward to linking up with his new team-mates after this autumn's rugby league World Cup in Australia.
"I am really excited about joining Leeds Rhinos and coming to England," he said.
"I am looking forward to linking up again with Brian McClennan after he gave me my debut for the Kiwis.
"We watch the games from Super League on TV here and the Rhinos play a really good style of rugby which I think will suit my own game."