Greg Eastwood has been named captain of Canterbury’s Auckland Nines squad.

The Kiwi international will take over the NRL club’s reins for the first time, headlining a squad also featuring fellow big boppers Sam Kasiano and Tony Williams.

“It’s a dream to get the opportunity, Eastwood said.

“It’s obviously just for this tournament but to get the chance to lead the boys out will be great.

“It’ll be my first time over there for the Nines and for it to be in my home city, it’ll be a really good experience.”

Set to make their Bulldogs debuts at this weekend’s Nines at Eden Park are Brad Abbey, Craig Garvey and Kerrod Holland.

Canterbury squad: Brad Abbey, Tim Browne, Dane Chisholm, Greg Eastwood (capt), Adam Elliott, Matt Frawley, Danny Fualalo, Craig Garvey, Kerrod Holland, Sam Kasiano, Shaun Lane, Jarrod McInally, Pat OHanlon, Tyrone Phillips, Ruebenn Rennie, Reimis Smith, Chase Stanley, Tony Williams.