Eastwood closes in on Rhinos move

Eastwood has made 62 appearances for the Broncos

New Zealand international second row Greg Eastwood is a step closer to linking up with the Leeds Rhinos.

The World Cup winner has now received the paperwork so his application for a British passport can be processed.

The 21-year-old had signed a three-year-deal at Headingley but had been waiting for the final clearance.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "It has been quite a drawn-out process but I'm delighted to say that Greg has now received his certificate."

Hetherington added: "It has now been sent off to complete the process at Canberra."

Eastwood, whose father was born in Huddersfield, had been waiting for a national police certificate in Australia so his application for a British passport could be processed.

I know he cannot wait to get here and start his new life with the Rhinos and we can't wait to have him here

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington

That has now been received and the former Brisbane Broncos player could be in the UK as early as this weekend in time to jet off with his new team mates to Jacksonville in Florida for a warm-weather training camp on Monday.

Hetherington said: "Greg has spoken directly to the authorities and they have assured him they will give his application their stamp of approval and return it immediately.

"He is expecting to be in possession of that by the end of the week, which will enable him to jump on a plane and join us.

"We have been in daily contact with Greg and I know he cannot wait to get here and start his new life with the Rhinos and we can't wait to have him here."

If he arrives by the weekend, Eastwood will fly out with the Rhinos to Florida on Monday, otherwise he will catch a flight to Jacksonville from Brisbane.