League: Eastwood gets in some family time

Greg Eastwood playing for the Bulldogs. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwis league international Greg Eastwood has played his last game for Leeds Rhinos in Britain and is returning to New Zealand.

Eastwood has two years left on his Rhinos contract, but was transfer-listed at an asking price of £100,000 ($216,000) two months ago after saying he was homesick and wanted to return to the NRL in Australia.

He left Leeds just three days after a Super League semifinal defeat by Wigan Warriors ended the Rhinos' season, the Yorkshire Evening Post newspaper reported.

"To go out [of the playoffs] how we did on Saturday is disappointing," said Eastwood, who suffered a broken hand and a serious knee injury during his spell at Leeds.

"This year was the first time I've had any real serious injuries and missed a load of games.

"I've learned how to deal with injuries, move on and try and get stronger."

Eastwood said he decided to fly home so soon after the end of the season to spend time with his family before going into camp with New Zealand ahead of next month's Four Nations tournament.

Eastwood was due to join Rhinos from Brisbane Broncos in 2009, but had to wait 12 months for visa clearance.

He spent last year at the Canterbury Bulldogs, and there is a chance he will rejoin them for 2011.

"There's a few clubs interested. Once I return home I'll talk to my manager and take it from there," he said.

- NZPA