At a glance

Jesse Bromwich completed his redemption from last year’s cocaine scandal in the Kiwis’ remarkable 26-24 win over the Kangaroos on Saturday night.

The former Kiwis captain, who was stripped of that title and stood down from last year’s disastrous World Cup, was outstanding in his first game back.

It had been an emotional week for the 29-year-old, who only joined with the Kiwis midweek, once doctors in Melbourne gave his new-born son the all clear, following a premature birth.

He then had to focus on playing for the Kiwis again and deal with the occasion of coming back from one of the lowest points of his life, when he and fellow Kiwis forward Kevin Proctor were caught attempting to buy cocaine, following last year’s Anzac test in Canberra.

‘‘It was great,’’ Bromwich said of being back in the Kiwis.

‘‘I was a bit emotional at the start and I’m just happy to be back.

‘‘I’m proud of the boys, how they’ve gone about their business, and how they’ve welcomed me back in.’’

Bromwich always felt he’d be able to get back in the Kiwis again and the new coach, Michael Maguire, made it clear to him he was part of his plans, and there would be no more repercussions.

‘‘There were some dark days, but I spoke to Madge (Maguire) quite a lot before the Denver test,’’ he said.

‘‘So I knew I was always a chance, because Madge was talking to me at length about which direction he wanted to go.

‘‘So I’m grateful for the opportunity and I can’t thank him enough.’’

Although Bromwich is one of the older faces in the Kiwis, there’s the feeling that Saturday night’s test was the beginning of a new era for the team, and under Maguire they’ll return to their former glories.

‘‘We definitely want to turn things around for New Zealand Rugby League, we want to be good role models, we want to be playing good football and getting New Zealand back into rugby league.’’

Bromwich was full of praise for the two Kiwis who made their debuts in the test, Brandon Smith and Joseph Manu, who both scored tries.

‘‘Joey had a great game,’’ Bromwich said.

‘‘I’m really proud of the way he went about his business and it was very professional for a young kid.

‘‘Another one, Brandon Smith, went out there, he’s not used to playing long minutes, but I’m very proud of him. I’m great mates with him, he’s at my club in Melbourne.’’

Australia did get too close to comfort as they pulled back from being down 26-12 with 13 minutes to go, trailing by just two points in the final three minutes.

‘‘For them to get within two points was quite nerve-wracking.

‘‘I’m proud of the boys because we stuck it out to the end.’’ Kiwis 26 (Ken Maumalo, Joseph Manu, Brandon Smith, Esan Marsters, Jordan Rapana tries; Shaun Johnson 3 goals) Kangaroos 24 (Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Felise Kaufusi, James Tedesco tries; Holmes 4 goals). HT: 8-12.