Bellamy backs Bromwich

Sacked Kiwis skipper Jesse Bromwich’s standing in the NRL hasn’t diminished in the eyes of Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who says the forward is still in line to be the Storm’s next captain

Bellamy said he was shocked by Bromwich’s involvement in a drugs scandal outside a nightclub following the test match in Canberra given his history in Melbourne.

‘‘I was surprised because Jesse is a guy who’s been with us for the last 12 or 13 years and I don’t think he’s ever been late for training let alone being involved in what he was involved in on Saturday morning,’’ Bellamy said yesterday.

‘‘He’s done a lot of great things for this club over a long period of time and he’s made a big mistake. He’s learnt a big lesson and hopefully all the players in our club can learn from it as well.’’

Bromwich was suspended by the Storm for two games - including Saturday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium against Gold Coast.

As part of his punishment, Bromwich also lost his New Zealand test captaincy while being handed a World Cup ban.

Bellamy said he would give the prop the Melbourne captaincy any time.

‘‘If I was picking the next captain if Cameron Smith retired tomorrow I’d be picking Jesse Bromwich,’’ Bellamy said.

‘‘I don’t see that Jesse’s standing in the game or at our club has eroded one bit from this.’’