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Rhinos opt to replace Ellis with Eastwood
LEEDS Rhinos have turned to New Zealand to fill the gap created by the imminent departure of England international Gareth Ellis – but not by capturing the player most people expected.
Instead of signing Penrith Panthers back row Frank Pritchard, the engage Super league champions have agreed a three-year deal with Brisbane Broncos loose forward Greg Eastwood.
The 21-year-old is well known to Leeds coach Brian McClennan, the former Kiwi Test coach who gave Eastwood his international debut against Australia in 2006.
"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," said McClennan. "His 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. People are going to enjoy watching Greg Eastwood over the next couple of years and I am hopeful that this initial three-year contract will just be the start of a long career here at Headingley for Greg."
Eastwood, whose father hails from Huddersfield, has scored 15 tries in 62 appearances for the Broncos, including four tries in 22 appearances this season.
He played in the first two Tests against Great Britain in 2007 when he was a try scorer for the New Zealand All Golds against the Northern Union.
"We have been determined to replace Gareth Ellis with a player of similar standing and to sign a 21-year-old international with so much ability and versatility is very pleasing," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
Leeds are understood to have turned their attentions to Eastwood after Penrith made it clear they were not prepared to release New Zealand Test forward Pritchard from the remaining year of his contract.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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