Jesse Bromwich to lead New Zealand against Tonga

Jesse Bromwich has been appointed captain of New Zealand for their mid-season international Test against Tonga.

Bromwich, 33, has played 29 times for New Zealand and is the most experienced international in the current squad. He made his debut for the Kiwis back in 2012.

Head coach Michael Maguire said: “It’s a tribute to Jesse and the work he has done that has seen him earn respect as a true leader with Melbourne.

“He’s again co-captain for the Storm this season which speaks volumes for the regard he’s held in at such a great club.”

The forward is currently in his 13th and final season with Melbourne Storm, having put pen to paper with the Dolphins for the 2023 campaign. Since making his NRL debut in 2010, he has made 284 appearances, scoring 32 tries.

In the past 11 seasons he has never played fewer than 19 matches in a campaign and then only because the 2020 season was shortened by the Covid pandemic.

Rugby league will make an emotional return to Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday for New Zealand’s Test with Tonga. 

The Warriors’ last home game before the COVID-19 pandemic on August 30, 2019. The last Test match played at the ground was five weeks before that on June 22 when New Zealand beat Tonga 34-14.

New Zealand: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Jesse Bromwich (Storm), Kenny Bromwich (Storm), Dylan Brown (Eels), Erin Clark (Titans), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Peta Hiku (Cowboys), Jahrome Hughes (Storm), Moses Leota (Panthers), Isaac Liu (Titans), Joseph Manu (Roosters), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Ken Maumalo (Tigers), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Marata Niukore (Eels), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Jordan Riki (Broncos),