Eastwood Adds Experience to Kiwis

Greg Eastwood has been named in the Kiwis squad to take on Australia in Perth on October 15 before heading over to the UK for the Ladbrokes Four Nations.

With 24 test caps already to his name, Eastwood will play in a side that will feature five debutants including David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Te Maire Martin, Jordan Rapana and Joseph Tapine under recently appointed head coach David Kidwell.

 “All of these players have shown exciting form during the NRL season and have certainly earned their selection on merit,” says Kidwell.

“But we’re always looking one step ahead, whether that’s to next year’s World Cup or beyond, and we also think all these players can play a big part in keeping the Kiwis on top for many years to come.

“In picking this team, we’ve tried to achieve a balance between players who are proven at test level and those that are the future of the Kiwis programme. Injuries play an unfortunate part in our game and some of these newcomers will get an immediate opportunity to show they’re ready for the next level.”

With some of the Kiwi regulars unavailable for the up-coming series include Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Ben Matulino, Alex Glenn and Kodi Nikorima; Eastwood will look to provide some well needed experience to side.

The Kiwis squad will assemble in Perth over next weekend for the test against Australia on October 15.

They open their Four Nations account against hosts England on Sunday, October 30 (NZ time) at Huddersfield, followed by Australia (November 6) and Scotland (November 12).

The 24-man NZ Kiwis squad is: