Bromwich part of Kiwis leadership team

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire has revealed former captain Jesse Bromwich is a part of the Test nation's leadership group to face Australia. Bromwich and Kevin Proctor will make their anticipated return to the Kiwis fold on Saturday, almost 18 months after being axed for their role in a cocaine bust. The pair were caught allegedly snorting cocaine hours after a mid-year Test against the Kangaroos, resulting in their dumping from the World Cup last year. The scandal cost Bromwich the Kiwis' captaincy, however Maguire this week confirmed
the Melbourne prop has been reinstated as a leader in the team. "He's a part of the leadership group," Maguire told reporters. "But at the moment he's very much about making sure he does what he needs to to get in the team and perform for the team." With 41 Tests between them, Bromwich and Proctor will add some sorely needed experience to a youthful line-up at Mt Smart Stadium.Joseph Manu and Brandon Smith are making their international debuts, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been crowned captain at the tender age of 23. It comes off the back of the unavailability of stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke, as well as the international retirements of a number of veteran players.Maguire was reluctant to comment further on Bromwich and Proctor's return, but conceded the duo have been presented with a shot at redemption.

Kiwis hopeful Jesse Bromwich will join them in time

MICHAEL Maguire has his fingers crossed that Jesse Bromwich won’t join the growing list of Kiwis forwards to be unavailable for this week’s trans-Tasman rugby league Test. Former skipper Bromwich didn’t assemble with the New Zealand squad on Saturday, instead remaining with his family in Melbourne following the premature birth of his third child. Kiwis coach Maguire told journalists he had been in regular contact with the influential Storm prop and expected him to join the Kiwis early this week
and play in Saturday’s Test at Mt Smart Stadium. “Obviously we hold the family side in high regard. So we’re looking after that part of having the little fella come into the world and I think Jesse should join us fairly soon,” Maguire said. Having the 29-year-old’s services will bring solidity to a Kiwis pack rocked this week by three withdrawals. Fellow Melbourne front rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona was ruled out with injury along with two players poised to make their Test debuts - Zane Tetavano and Corey Harawira-Naera. Warriors trio Agatius Paasi, Isaiah Papalii and Peta Hiku were added to the 24-man squad. Forwards Paasi and Papali’i will make their debut if selected. Maguire will name his squad on Tuesday.