Eastwood leaves Rhinos
Canterbury Bulldogs confirmed on Friday that Greg Eastwood is to rejoin them after failing to settle at Leeds Rhinos.
Last Updated: 08/10/10 5:17pm
Canterbury Bulldogs confirmed on Friday that Greg Eastwood is to rejoin them after failing to settle at Leeds Rhinos.
The 23-year-old New Zealand international joined the Rhinos on a three-year deal at the start of the year but sought a release after becoming homesick.
Eastwood, who made 64 appearances for Brisbane Broncos from 2005-08, spent the 2009 season with the Bulldogs after initial plans to move to Super League wer held up by red tape.
Having signed a three-year contract, he will link up with them once more at the end of the Four Nations Series.
"He is highly thought of at the Bulldogs and will be a very valuable addition to our NRL squad in 2011 and beyond," Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg told www.bulldogs.com.au.
"It's been well documented that Greg struggled to settle in England and I'd like to thank the Leeds Rhinos for the compassion they have shown in allowing him to explore a return to the NRL."
Exchanges
As part of the agreement, the Bulldogs and Rhinos will form a partnership that is likely to see player exchanges.
"There's still a few details to fill in but I'd expect that we'll see some of their young players come out here to experience how we do things in the NRL and there's a possibility for some professional development opportunities for staff from both clubs," said Greenberg.
Eastwood made 22 appearances for Leeds, including the World Club Challenge and the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
Although Leeds placed a £100,000 transfer fee on Eastwood, Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said he was satisfied with the outcome.
"We are naturally disappointed to be losing Greg but he leaves with our best wishes and our thanks for his efforts this season," he said.
"The compensation we have received is fair for a player of his ability and our dealings with the Bulldogs have been conducted in the best possible way.
"We are looking at ways in which we assist each other going forward. We are now focused on securing a replacement for Greg in the near future."
