Eastwood in Canterbury return

Leeds have confirmed that Greg Eastwood will return to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for the 2011 NRL season.

Eastwood, who joined the Rhinos last season after a loan spell with the Bulldogs, made 22 appearances for Leeds and featured in both the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and Carnegie World Club Challenge.

Speaking about Eastwood’s departure, Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, “We are naturally disappointed to be losing Greg but he leaves with our best wishes and our thanks for this efforts this season.

“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 focussed on securing a replacement for Greg in the near future.”

Eastwood’s return to the Bulldogs represents more than an addition to their playing roster, with the Bulldogs and Rhinos agreeing to a partnership over the course of negotiations that will result in development opportunities for both Clubs.

Eastwood, 23, played 64 NRL matches for the Brisbane Broncos between 2005 and 2008 prior to joining the Bulldogs in 2009, where he made 23 appearances.

Speaking about Eastwood’s return to the Bulldogs, their Chief Executive Mr. Todd Greenberg said. “From experience we know what a positive influence Greg can have around a Club. He is highly thought of at the Bulldogs and he will be a very valuable addition to our NRL squad in 2011 and beyond.

“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. We are delighted that he will be back in Bulldogs colours from next season.

“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 as well,” Mr. Greenberg added.

“Certainly the opportunity is there to form a lasting relationship, one that we all can learn from.”