League: Injury blow for Kiwis

Kiwis forward Greg Eastwood broke a bone in his hand against France last week. Photo / Getty Images

Utility forward Greg Eastwood has been ruled out of the rest of the Kiwis' Four Nations campaign after breaking a bone in his left hand during last Sunday's (NZT) record 62-12 win over France in Toulouse.

The Leeds-bound 22-year-old said the injury happened when he fended off a French player soon after being brought onto the field from the interchange bench in the 25th minute of the game.

He had a cast put on his left arm last night after X rays revealed a fracture in his scaphoid. He's expected to be in plaster for six weeks.

With 11-test international Steve Matai (eye) also ruled out, the Kiwis will be without two of their most experienced players for Sunday morning's clash against England at Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield.

"While it's disappointing for Greg and for us as a team that he's out of the rest of the tournament, we're thankful he's able to stay on with us," coach Stephen Kearney said.

"It's also tough on Steve that he won't be able to play this week but we hope he will be right for the following week should we beat England on Saturday night and make the final.

"We've had our share of injury problems before and during this campaign but we've also seen the way our younger players have responded when given the opportunity."

While Eastwood and Matai have been sidelined, Kearney said prop Jeff Lima and second rower Bronson Harrison were continuing to make pleasing progress from calf injuries that kept them out of the match against France.

Eastwood has understandably been one of the most popular targets for the media and fans since the Kiwis arrived in Leeds on Sunday.

After spending the 2009 NRL season with the Bulldogs, he will finally link up with former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan at the Leeds Rhinos for the 2010 English Super League season. He had been due to start with the club this year until his plans were stymied by visa issues.

- NZPA