Rugby League: Bromwich stands out from man mountains

Jesse Bromwich.

Jesse Bromwich is the forwards leader in this Kiwis team - and he's reveling in the role.

In a team full of man mountains, Bromwich stands out.

While Issac Luke and Adam Blair are the official captains of the team, Bromwich is the definite leader of the pack.

It's been a sharp - but not unexpected - rise for the 26-year-old prop. The last time the Kiwis were in England, at the 2013 World Cup, Bromwich was one of the cubs. He was an extremely capable front rower - already recognized as one of the best in the NRL - but wasn't the senior man among the Kiwis.

That team had Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sonny Bill-Williams, Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood, all players with more experience than Bromwich, men who would be found at the back of the bus. But that quartet aren't here this time - for various reasons - and Bromwich has become the focal point.

"[Since 2013] I've grown as a person [and] turned into a bit of a leader," said Bromwich. "I've Been learning my position for a while in the front row. It takes a while to get used to and I guess I have done that. [The leadership role] is something I have taken on at my club...and hopefully I have taken it into this team."

The extent of Bromwich's rise was encapsulated midway through last season, when scribes no longer referred to the Storm's `Big Three', instead focusing on the quartet of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Bromwich. However, Bromwich still sees himself as a lieutenant - and has learnt a lot from the three generals - saying it's like "having three coaches on the field".

The 26-year-old was seen as one of the main contenders for the vacant captaincy position - with former Kiwis skipper Hugh McGahan among those believing the the Aucklander was the best candidate for the job.

But Bromwich didn't see it that way.

"Always knew Adam or Issac would be the captain..they deserve it and I am happy for them," said Bromwich, though he admitted it is a long term goal.

Bromwich also admits there is extra pressure on this forward unit, with the backline bereft of both experience and playmakers. Coach Stephen Kearney signaled a few months ago that he planned to win this series in an old school fashion; demolishing the England up the middle, and feeding off the momentum gained from that.

The lack of cohesion and combinations in the back division mean Bromwich and co. have to perform; if they don't dominate their opposite numbers, there is little chance the Kiwis will be leaving England with any trophies.

"There is a bit more pressure," said Bromwich. "But with that everyone has to take a little bit more of that pressure and make sure they get their jobs done. We don't need passengers."

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