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World Cup- winning Kiwi Greg Eastwood has been left in rugby league limbo after being denied entry to the United Kingdom.
Eastwood was supposed to be in Hull yesterday morning (NZT) taking on Hull Kingston Rovers for his new club Leeds but a number of speeding offences that saw him lose his drivers' licence for two years was enough for the Home Office to deny him entry.
He's now stuck in Brisbane, unsure for whom or where he might play this season. Leeds are likely to appeal the decision and Eastwood, who has had his bags packed since January, is ready to go at a moment's notice.
If Eastwood's appeal fails, it's unlikely he would remain unemployed for too long. The Broncos, with whom he played four seasons, have said they can't fit him under the salary cap but other NRL clubs are monitoring the situation.
"I have had a few clubs interested, including the Warriors," Eastwood said. "I know the boys really well there and they are good fellas. I play good footy when I am happy and I'm sure I would be at the Warriors.
"But I signed a deal with Leeds so they are my priority and I am waiting to see if anything comes of the appeal. I was really looking forward to playing in the Super League."
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah confirmed they had enquired about Eastwood but that no decision on whether an offer would be made to the 21-year-old utility had been made.
"We would be interested in any Kiwis player who is available but like everyone else we have just been made aware of his situation," Scurrah said. "He's certainly the type of player who would be attractive to any club.
"If the salary cap wasn't such an issue we would definitely be interested but we have to manage that carefully."
The Warriors have some room to move under the salary cap after the disappearance of Sonny Fai, who is presumed drowned.
They would also consider offers for second rower Epalahame Lauaki, who still has two years left to run on his present deal. He has been linked with Hull FC and any move would free up more money for the Warriors.
Eastwood is a victim of tougher visa regulations, which have also seen Todd Carney (drink driving), Michael Crocker (affray) and Greg Bird (assault charges pending) denied entry to the UK.
Three years ago, former Warriors and Sharks hooker Tevita Leo-Latu was free to join Wakefield despite the fact he had been convicted of assault on a teenaged girl.
"It was pretty tough," Eastwood said of his own situation. "It's not like I have a criminal record. I didn't hurt anybody or get done for drink driving. I suppose it doesn't pay to speed."