LEEDS SIGN EASTWOOD

[josie andrews]

Eastwood -set for Leeds switch.

Leeds have signed New Zealand international Greg Eastwood as a replacement for outgoing England forward Gareth Ellis.

The 21-year-old Eastwood, who has made 62 appearances in Australia's National Rugby League for Brisbane Broncos, has agreed a three-year contract starting in 2009, when Ellis will be plying his trade with Wests Tigers.

Rhinos coach Brian McClennan, who as Kiwis boss gave Eastwood his debut in the Anzac Test of 2006, said: "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.

"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.

"His style will suit the Rhinos. He is a quiet and humble lad who will fit in well with our players.

"He is very skilful and 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."

Eastwood will link up with the Rhinos after the 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."

Leeds had been linked with a move for another New Zealand international second rower, Penrith Panthers' Frank Pritchard, but they insist Eastwood was McClennan's number one target.

Chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "This is a terrific signing for us. We have been determined to replace Gareth Ellis with a player of similar standing and to be signing a 21-year-old international with so much ability and versatility is very pleasing."

Eastwood was born in Auckland but his father is originally from Huddersfield.

He is Leeds' second major signing for 2009 following the acquisition of Australian hooker Danny Buderus, who is expected to miss the first month of next season with an arm injury.



http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... Leeds.html

[shawcross da warrior]

similar to what we needed........

[ferreira]

we have a very good second row in super league playing for a worse team that us but had a good run in the challenge cup..Willie Manu