A once in a lifetime opportunity: Jesse Bromwich on Dolphins move 

Josh McAllister
Jesse Bromwich. PA Images

Jesse Bromwich says the idea of being a part of the Dolphins’ first-ever season in the NRL was a once in a lifetime opportunity he couldn’t turn down ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The 33-year-old has played his career to date with Melbourne Storm, making his debut in 2010. Across 13 seasons, he has made 295 appearances for the club, scoring 32 tries. He was named co-captain in 2021.

Bromwich joins the Dolphins on a two-year deal ahead of 2023, joining his brother Kenny alongside the likes of Jamayne Isaako, Anthony Milford and Oliver Gildart ahead of their first season.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity,” Bromwich told Love Rugby League. “It’s a new club, a bit of a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself at my age.

“To start something fresh with my brother and a couple of other team-mates, Felise Kaufusi, it’s really exciting. I’m trying to get my house ready to sell and move away. I appreciate everything my wife is doing at the minute.”

Bromwich will begin pre-season with his new side after leading New Zealand during the recent World Cup in England, having been knocked out of the semi-finals by Australia at Elland Road.

“I think I might get a week off for Christmas,” Bromwich joked. “I’ve got to move my whole house and family up to Queensland. We’ve been in the same house for about 10 years now, there’s stuff everywhere!”

Jesse Bromwich looking forward to working under Wayne Bennett

The new move will see Bromwich work under a new club coach for the first time in his career, with 72-year-old Wayne Bennett leading the side in 2023 on a three-year deal.

Bromwich has played under Craig Bellamy to date at Melbourne, with both head coaches regarded two of the greatest in NRL history.

“That was one of the positives of moving to the Dolphins, to be coached by Wayne,” Bromwich added.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career to be coached by Craig Bellamy for a very long time. He’s someone I’m forever grateful to. But my time there was done and to be able to go and be coached by Wayne is very exciting.” 

Former St Helens and current Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf has been appointed as the club’s assistant, and is expected to take over from Bennett as head coach upon the expiry of his contract.

Bromwich added that he is also looking forward to working under the three-time Super League winner, having made history with St Helens in 2022 as the first side to ever claim the title four years in a row.

“I’ve heard plenty of good stories about Woolfy,” he said. “I’ve asked the Tonga boys how he is as a coach. They’ve all had good things to say and I really trust those players.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at the Dolphins.”

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