Bromwich to lead Kiwis at Four Nations
New Zealand Kiwis coach David Kidwell has named Jesse Bromwich as skipper for the country’s Four Nations campaign in England.
The Melbourne Storm prop Jesse Bromwich has retained his position as skipper from the Trans-Tasman Test earlier this year.
Former skipper Simon Mannering is also included.
“Jesse did a great job leading the team earlier this year in Simon’s absence and, at this stage of his career, I think Simon is just as happy not having the weight of captaincy on him,” Kidwell explained.
“But, ultimately, they will both be part of a strong leadership group that set a strong culture for this team.”
Regulars including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Ben Matulino, Alex Glenn and Kodi Nikorima are unavailable for the tournament.
“All of these players have shown exciting form during the NRL season and have certainly earned their selection on merit,” said Kidwell.
“But we’re always looking one step ahead, whether that’s to next year’s World Cup or beyond, and we also think all these players can play a big part in keeping the Kiwis on top for many years to come.
“In picking this team, we’ve tried to achieve a balance between players who are proven at test level and those that are the future of the Kiwis programme. Injuries play an unfortunate part in our game and some of these newcomers will get an immediate opportunity to show they’re ready for the next level.”
KIWIS SQUAD:
Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, David Fusitu’a, Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Jordan Kahu, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Manu Ma’u, Jason Nightingale, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
