Greg Eastwood
A powerhouse forward who brought a unique blend of Polynesian flair and hard-nosed grit to rugby league pitches across the NRL and Super League.
Born 1987 (age 39)·New Zealand international rugby league footballer·Birthday: March 10·Millennials
Biography
Born in Auckland, Greg Eastwood emerged as a formidable force in rugby league, his career defined by a versatile and bruising style of play. He debuted for the Brisbane Broncos in 2005, quickly becoming known for his deceptive footwork and offloading ability for a big man. His move to the Canterbury Bulldogs cemented his reputation, where he became a fan favorite and a key component of their forward pack for nearly a decade. Eastwood also proudly represented New Zealand on the international stage, earning over 20 caps for the Kiwis and being part of the 2008 World Cup-winning squad. His later years saw a successful stint with the Leeds Rhinos in England before retiring as a respected figure who left his mark on every team he played for.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Greg was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Greg Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Greg's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Rugby League World Cup with the New Zealand national team in 2008.
- Played over 250 first-grade matches in the NRL for the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.
- Represented New Zealand in international rugby league, earning more than 20 test caps.
- Helped the Canterbury Bulldogs reach the NRL Grand Final in 2012.
- Won the Challenge Cup with the Leeds Rhinos in 2020.
Did You Know?
He is of Māori descent, with his iwi (tribe) being Ngāpuhi.
Eastwood was nicknamed 'Beastwood' by fans and commentators for his aggressive playing style.
He played both as a second-row forward and a lock, showcasing his versatility.
Before his NRL debut, he played for the New Zealand Warriors' junior teams.
“You have to be strong in the contact, but your feet and hands have to be smart, too.”
