Maguire hopeful Bromwich will start against Kangaroos
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire is planning for Jesse Bromwich to start this week’s test against the Kangaroos following the birth of his baby, but will make a final call when the Storm prop links up with the squad.
Bromwich’s availability was in doubt after his third son was born prematurely last week. He remained in Melbourne as the Kiwis assembled in Auckland on Saturday.
Maguire said Bromwich’s priorities lay with his family but he expected the former captain to join his team-mates in the coming days. ‘‘From the conversations I’ve had I definitely [plan to play him] but we’ll wait and see how that all pans out,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘We’ve been texting backwards and forwards and a few phonecalls. 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.’’
The 29-year-old has been recalled to the Kiwis for the first time since he and team-mate Kevin Proctor, who is also back in the squad, were banned from last year’s World Cup after being caught with illegal drugs following the 2017 Anzac test in Canberra.
Regarded as one of the best props in the game, Bromwich’s availability would be a big boost as the Kiwis attempt to snap a five-match losing streak against the Kangaroos.
A combination of injuries and international retirements has forced Maguire to select an inexperienced squad, which includes five debutants, while he is yet to name a captain.
The coach said that he would announce that decision tomorrow, along with the playing 17.
But he has challenged the veterans he does have in the squad, such as Adam Blair, Jared Waerea-hargreaves and Shaun Johnson, to guide the new players coming through.
‘‘I’ve got some youth amongst the squad and we’ve got a couple of old heads as well that are looking forward to helping out a lot of the younger guys,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘I guess we’re moving into a different stage with the Kiwi team . . . but it’s an exciting time for where we’re going.’’