The highly-rated Kiwi utility player, 21, links up again with former mentor Brian McClennan, who handed him his New Zealand debut in 2006.

Eastwood, an integral part of the Broncos' line-up this year, can play in a variety of positions, including second-row, wing and centre.

He will join up with Rhinos after this autumn's World Cup in Australia.

And the international certainly has an extra incentive to prove a White Rose success, with his father hailing from Huddersfield.

Auckland-born ace Eastwood, who made his NRL debut in 2005 and has notched 15 tries in 62 appearances for Broncos, said: "I am really excited about joining Leeds Rhinos and coming to England.

"I am looking forward to linking up again with Brian McClennan after he gave me my debut for the Kiwis.

"We watch the games from Super League on TV here and the Rhinos play a really good style of rugby which I think will suit my own game."

Eastwood, set to be a key part of the Kiwi World Cup line-up, has enjoyed a stellar 2008, scoring four tries in 22 appearances – including the match-winning try in fourth-placed Broncos' extra-time success over Queensland rivals Gold Coast Titans last Friday.

He also featured in the first two Tests against Great Britain in the 2007 Gillette Fusion Test series, as well as being a tryscorer for the New Zealand All Golds against the Northern Union.

Rhinos head coach McClennan is predicting big things from his compatriot, who he reckons will prove a real crowd favourite.

Thrilled at his capture, McClennan said: "I have followed Greg's progress for a few years, having watched him come through the ranks with the Junior Kiwis and then develop through the Broncos system. I gave him his debut in 2006 for New Zealand in the ANZAC test and he was very good on that day.

"He is still only 21, so that means that we are getting a player who has huge potential and is at the early stage of his career.

"His style will suit the Rhinos, he is a quiet and humble lad who will fit in well with our players.

"He has great versatility having played on the wing, centre, stand-off and second-row for the Broncos and has even filled in at dummy-half, despite being 105kg, at times this season. He is very skilful and I'm excited about what he will bring to the Rhinos.

"People are going to enjoy watching Greg Eastwood over the next couple of years and I am hopeful that this initial three-year contract will just be the start of a long career here at Headingley Carnegie for Greg."

Chief executive Gary Hetherington added: "This is a terrific signing for us. We have been determined to replace Gareth Ellis with a player of similar standing and to be signing a 21-year-old international with so much ability and versatility is very pleasing.

"We have a good relationship with the Brisbane Broncos and I would like to thank them for their co-operation and professionalism throughout our negotiations."