Eastwood has been named in the New Zealand squad for the Four Nations

Leeds Rhinos' Kiwi second row forward Greg Eastwood has rejoined NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs after being released from his Headingley contract.

The 23-year-old World Cup winner had two years left with Leeds but had asked for a release after becoming homesick.

As part of the agreement, the Bulldogs and Rhinos will form a partnership that is likely to see player exchanges.

Eastwood made 22 appearances for Leeds, including the World Club Challenge and the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

Eastwood, who made 64 appearances for Brisbane Broncos from 2005-2008, spent the 2009 season with the Bulldogs after his move to Super League was held up by red tape, and he will link up with them again at the end of the Four Nations Series.

Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg told the Bulldogs official website: "It's been well documented that Greg struggled to settle in England and I'd like to thank Leeds Rhinos for the compassion they have shown in allowing him to explore a return to the NRL."

On the possible player exchange between the two sides, Greenberg said: "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."

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