Eastwood to leave Leeds

Second-rower wants to return to NRL after just one year in England

Last updated: 29th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Unfortunately I have found it tough without my family here in the UK and that is the only reason that I want to return to the NRL. I would not go to another club in Super League but hopefully somebody will give me a chance in Australia.

Greg Eastwood
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New Zealand international Greg Eastwood has been put on the transfer list by Leeds Rhinos at his own request.

Eastwood only moved to the Engage Super League champions at the start of the season, when he signed a three-year deal from Canterbury.

However, after less than a season at Headingley the second-row forward wants to leave after struggling to settle down to life in England.

The 23-year-old has approached the club to see if they would allow him to return to the NRL, and they have agreed to do that at the end of the season.

Eastwood will return to Australia after the Super League season is completed but any interested parties will have to pay £100,000 for his services.

Meeting

"Following a meeting between (coach) Brian McClennan and Greg Eastwood, the player requested to be placed on the transfer list so he can speak to clubs in the NRL," said chief executive Gary Hetherington.

"As a club we are proud of our record of attracting overseas players and making them feel welcome as part of our family, with the current squad including a number of players who have agreed extensions on the original deals that brought them to the club.

"Unfortunately Greg has failed to settle into life on the other side of the world and thousands of miles away from his family. Greg has two years remaining on his contract and therefore we will not be releasing him from that obligation and we value him at £100,000."

Eastwood is currently sidelined with a leg injury, his second long-term absence of the season, and he admitted it had been tough for him to ask Leeds to allow him to return home.

He said: "The club have been great with me and I really appreciate that. Unfortunately I have found it tough without my family here in the UK and that is the only reason that I want to return to the NRL.

"I would not go to another club in Super League but hopefully somebody will give me a chance in Australia.

"There are different chapters in your footie career and unfortunately things have not worked out for me here in Super League.

"However, I have left things in the hands of my agent now and I am focused on getting back to full fitness and helping the boys finish the season on a high."