New Zealand skipper Jesse Bromwich is relishing the chance to captain his country on home soil at next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
The Kiwis have not played a test match at home in almost two years, since the 2014 Four Nations but will get the chance when they co-host the 2017 World Cup along with Australia.
The tournament will take place from 27 October – 2 December 2017 with 14 nations to take part.
AAMI Park will host the opening game that will see Australia take on England in a Friday night blockbuster.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Roosters, Saturday 23 July, 7:30pm.
Bromwich, who was appointed captain of New Zealand in May, is excited to represent his country at home.
“It has been a long time since we’ve had a test match in New Zealand,” Bromwich said.
“It is something we are really looking forward to, it is a great opportunity to grow rugby league in New Zealand. It is already quite strong there but this is another chance to really grow the game there and there is nothing better than a world cup.
“I know it will be a big deal to New Zealanders and it will be something they are looking forward to.”
Bromwich will be up against his Storm skipper Cameron Smith in the tournament.
Ask if there was any insight he could give to stopping the world’s greatest hooker, the 27-year-old understandably had little to offer.
“To me he is that good, he is definately an immortal in waiting and he’s done such a good job for rugby league and for our club down there in Melbourne,” Bromwich said.
“For me I don’t see any weaknesses in his game, he is a total rugby league player and a great player.”
Bromwich will play his 150th NRL game this Saturday when Storm take on the Roosters at AAMI Park.
