Kiwi hails ABs selection of ‘awesome dude’

Kiwis forward Kenny Bromwich is delighted his former Melbourne Storm team-mate Matt Duffie has overcome injury setbacks to make the All Blacks.

Duffie was on the Storm’s books for five years, but was limited to 61 NRL first-grade games after enduring four shoulder operations and two knee reconstructions.

He left the NRL for a Super Rugby contract with the Blues and has made the All Blacks at the end of his second season back in rugby union.

Duffie, who won one cap on the Kiwis’ wing in 2011, said after his selection that he had wondered whether his career was over at the low point of his injury travails, but he never threw in the towel.

Bromwich, who has remained friends with his fellow Aucklander, said: ‘‘I was so pleased for Duffie. He’s an awesome dude.

‘‘He’s been through a lot of adversity with his injuries and for him to turn it around and be called in to the All Blacks squad is massive for himself and his family, and for us as his friends. To watch him go through that and see where he’s ended up, is unreal.’’

Bromwich felt Duffie’s comeback sent a positive signal to other sportspeople struggling with injury setbacks. ‘‘It doesn’t happen all the time, for people that get injuries, but when it happens like that, and to one of your good mates, I’m just super proud of him.

‘‘I’d be proud of anyone who went through what he did to get to where he is now, but when it happens to one of my good mates … I’m stoked for him.’’

●➤ Kidwell on Kiwis culture B9