League: Relief for Kiwis star Jesse Bromwich after newborn son given the all-clear after stint in intensive care

Jesse Bromwich could miss next Saturday's transtasman test. Photo / Photosport

Front-rower Jesse Bromwich will join the Kiwis in the next couple of days after his newborn son was given the all-clear following a stint in intensive care in Melbourne.

The 29-year-old Storm prop remained in Australia and had an anxious wait after his wife Lezyola gave birth to their third child prematurely midway through last week, ahead of Saturday's transtasman test against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium.

There were real concerns for the baby's health and Bromwich's place in the side remained uncertain until late Sunday afternoon when he contacted coach Michael Maguire to let him know everything was OK.

The 24-test veteran is now expected to join his Kiwis teammates, including younger brother Kenny Bromwich, in their Auckland camp within the next 48 hours.

"Bub's all good and Jesse will be joining us in camp either tomorrow night or Tuesday morning," said Maguire.

"It's a relief for Jesse, anytime family is involved in such a situation it is [a concern].

"He's making sure that everything's ok there and is planning on joining us on the next day or so.

"I spoke to him and there was really positive news around where the little fella's at. He's in pretty good spirits Jesse, so it's just a matter of making sure that we get the timing right and that everyone back home is safe and feeling well."

The good news means the former test captain and fellow forward Kevin Proctor are both set to return to the Kiwis for the first time since they were banned from playing in last year's World Cup, after they were caught using cocaine following the 2017 Anzac test in Canberra.

Bromwich, along with World Cup skipper Adam Blair, halfback Shaun Johnson, and Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are the most experienced members of the squad and among the front-runners to captain the team.

Maguire was remaining tight-lipped on who was likely to lead the side and said he needed to consult further with senior players before making his decision.

The former Rabbitohs NRL premiership winning coach put the players through their paces with a light training run in their first session together on Sunday afternoon.

"I'll announce that on Tuesday," he said. "I just want to have a bit more of a catch-up with a few of the senior guys. I'll even talk to Jesse around various things, expectations, and things we believe what the captain should look like."

Maguire confirmed debutant Storm forward Brandon Smith will start at hooker, with Brisbane playmaker Kodi Nikorima set to fill the five-eighth role.

"Definitely, [Smith] will be the hooker. I want to give him a great opportunity and give him that pathway to where we're going.

"I had a good chat with him this morning. He's a smart kid and he's going to be great for New Zealand.

"[Johnson and Nikorima] have shown some real leadership around what they want to achieve, but I've got some good people like Jahrome Hughes on hand."