EASTMOND IS SWITCHED ON FOR RHINOS
After 10 years in Union, Kyle is back in League with a surprise move to Leeds and he insists: I just love a challenge p
KYLE Eastmond says he will not have any problems switching codes again after his shock Leeds Rhinos move.
The 31-year-old dual code international has returned to rugby league almost a decade after leaving St Helens for Bath.
During his time in union he earned six England caps to go alongside the four he won in league – and he believes growing up in the 13-man code will stand him in good stead after signing a two-year deal.
Eastmond said: “The word is ‘challenge’ and that’s what I like. It’s something I’ve done before so I’ve got that understanding already, and hopefully I’m in a good place pretty soon.
“I’m not looking back at unfinished business or anything like that, it’s about helping this team and club achieve what it should do.
“The thing for me is how good can I be individually and how much can I bring to this team? I don’t see it as too tricky – it’s a time thing, I’ve achieved a decent standard in the game. I’m not worried about whether I can or can’t do it – I’ll put the work in and I will do it.”
The move only developed over the last week, with the Rhinos looking for options in their backs after Jack Walker was ruled out for the season and Rob Lui for up to three months through injury.
With Luke Gale also facing a race to be fit for the opening game with Wakefield on March 27, Leeds moved quickly to bring in Eastmond and reunite him with his former St Helens team-mate and now assistant Rhinos coach Sean Long. Leeds boss
Richard Agar believes Eastmond could return from rugby union a better player.
Agar said: “Kyle’s skill-set as a rugby player, be it a league or union, is a phenomenal one.
“His speed and acceleration, his footwork – and we feel he’s actually sharpened his skill-set up being in rugby union.
“I was really keen to talk to Kyle about his experiences in rugby union because I feel that can be of benefit to us.
“He’s been in some cauldrons and faced some of the biggest challenges you can there. He was at the pinnacle of rugby league as a young fella and decided to take an enormous challenge, which culminated in facing the All Blacks in Auckland.
“He’s shown me he’s never been frightened to take things on. It would have been easier for Kyle to stay in rugby union – and probably more lucrative too.
“That goes back to challenges and doing things for the right reason and I’m pumped that he’s here.”