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Leeds Rhinos: Leeds 'unlikely' to replace Eastwood
It is "unlikely" Leeds Rhinos will make a short-term signing to cover for World Cup winner Greg Eastwood, chief executive Gary Hetherington said today.
Eastwood's prospects of joining Rhinos this year were dashed when he was refused a visa to work in this country.
He has launched an appeal and is still hopeful of playing for Leeds next season, after spending 2009 effectively on loan at Australian National Rugby League club Canterbury Bulldogs.
Absence
The absence of the New Zealand international and former Brisbane Broncos back-rower has left a gap in Rhinos' squad and Hetherington confirmed the club are keeping a "watching brief".
He said: "We have a bit of flexibility. If somebody crops up, like Ali Lauitiiti did a few years ago, we are in a position to move on it. That's an on-going process, not just for this year.
"We have to be aware of who becomes available, but it is unlikely, because you don't get players out of contract at this stage of the season.
"For someone to become available, it has to be unusual circumstances."
Hetherington said, with Eastwood still a possible recruit for next year, any signing would probably have to be for the rest of this season only.
"We can only have so many overseas players," said Hetherington.
"The number comes down to five next year, so we'd have to take into account current overseas players and any others who come along."
Hetherington feels Rhinos are strong enough to cope with being a player short in the back-row.
"We haven't done so bad so far," he said.
"But we did anticipate having Greg with us this year and not having him is a blow, no question about that.
"It's a long season and the further you go into the season, the more you need all your players on board, because we will have injuries, like all other clubs."
With hooker Matt Diskin avoiding a ban at Tuesday night's RFL disciplinary hearing, Rhinos coach Brian McClennan names the same 19 on duty for the Saints defeat, with forward Ali Lauitiiti (calf) again missing out.
Rhinos (v Les Catalan Dragons) from: Webb, Hall, Smith, Watkins, Gibson, Senior, Allan, Ablett, Donald, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Peacock, Leuluai, Burgess, Jones-Buchanan, Kirke, Sinfield.
Rhinos under-18s take on Widnes Vikings in a pre-season game at Stobart Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
First-team players – along with coach Brian McClennan – will be on hand to meet fans on Saturday at the club's new store in Leeds' St John's Centre. McClennan will perform the official opening at 9am.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
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