Bromwich says squad leaders will ‘step up’

Dolphins NRL forward Kenny Bromwich says key players in the squad will need to step up and fill the void left by brother Jesse’s retirement.

Halves duo Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa did just that when they returned to training two weeks early today.

It’s a sign they mean business and are ready to put in the hard yards during preseason training.

Bromwich, who has been back for a couple of weeks, says preseason training has been tough already under new Head Coach Kristian Woolf.

“The standards have probably picked up a bit, I reckon. Training’s been a bit harder, everything’s just gone up a notch,” Bromwich says.

“You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result, so we’re trying to get everybody a little bit fitter. That will probably be the main goal of this preseason, get fitter and go from there.”

He’s excited about the Dolphins’ forward pack with newcomers Daniel Saifiti and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to add some strike power following the departure of Jesse and Tevita Pangai Junior.

“They’re some good signings, for sure. I’m stoked with the forward pack we have, plenty of competition there. It will be a strong forward pack heading into this competition,” Bromwich says.

He’s missing having Jesse alongside him and says his brother is enjoying retirement so far, but he expects he’ll feel jumpy when the season starts.

Bromwich says it will be “business as usual” for him on the field.

“I’ve been in other camps without him and played without him … having him there was always good, someone to talk to and get some advice from … it was good having him around because we always did a lot of extras together too,” he says.

“I will step up and try to do a little bit more (as a leader). I think, as a group, a lot of us are going to have to do a little bit more.

“He’s left some big shoes … I don’t think just one person should fill it. People need to step up and take a bit more of a role on.”

Bromwich is not fazed the Dolphins were unable to secure Ben Hunt for the 2025/26 seasons, with the former Dragons halfback instead signing with the Broncos.

“We’ve got solid halves and a lot of depth there so, I’m not too fussed,” he says.

Katoa’s early start to preseason training and strong performances for Tonga give Bromwich confidence.

“I think he’s developing really well as a player … real calm. You see what he’s done in the international game with the Tongan boys over in New Zealand. I think it’s good for his development and it will be good for the Dolphins,” he says.

“He’s come back early and he hasn’t skipped a beat, he’s pretty sharp.

“I don’t expect them (Katoa and Nikorima) to come back early but it’s really good to see them come back early and it just shows where they want to be as footy players and where this club wants to be as a club.”