Eastwood wants Kiwi no.6

Brisbane's rising New Zealand star Greg Eastwood says he wants to fill the big shoes of good friend Benji Marshall at this year's Tri Nations rugby league series.

The 102kg teenager has effortlessly moved from the backrow to the wing for Brisbane this season and starred at pivot for the Junior Kiwis last year. Eastwood was cruelly denied a Test debut for New Zealand last week when he was struck down by a hamstring complaint just days before he was due to fly out for the Kiwis' June 28 (AEST) clash against Great Britain in England.

Eastwood has been named at lock for a near full-strength Brisbane's top of the table Friday night clash at Melbourne. Brisbane's six Queensland Origin stars return but the Broncos will be without injured winger Tame Tupou and suspended hooker Casey McGuire.

Tupou's spot will be taken by Brent Tate with regular lock Tonie Carroll partners Shaun Berrigan in the centres.