Dolphins lure three-time premiership winner in 'huge recruitment coup'

Published 1:20pm 21 January 2022

The Dolphins have pulled off a huge recruitment coup by enticing Melbourne’s three-time premiership-winning front rower Jesse Bromwich to the club.

The Kiwi international has agreed to a two-year deal to be one of the Dolphins’ foundation players when they enter the competition in 2023.

Bromwich, who will join current Storm teammate Felise Kaufusi on the Dolphins’ roster, is certain to be one of the new squad’s leaders when they enter the competition in 2023.

He is currently co-captain of the 2021 minor premiers and has also captained his country of birth, New Zealand.

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Bromwich’s pedigree in the NRL made him the perfect recruit for the new franchise.

“In building a squad from scratch, we have always been focussed on ensuring we add some real experience to the group we will assemble for the 2023 NRL season,” said Reader.

“Jesse will bring a host of good qualities to the Dolphins’ inaugural roster, not the least of which will be his exposure at the highest levels of rugby league.

“He has been one of the shining lights of the strong Storm system for the last decade so will bring a tremendous level of professionalism with him.

“Jesse has been a part of three NRL grand final victories and has played 29 Tests for New Zealand, so we know he is a winner.

“He comes from a club that has always been big on creating standards and this will be a new and exciting opportunity for Jesse to create and set a standard for future Dolphins players.”

Bromwich has exhibited amazing durability in 272 NRL games for the Storm, including playing in 24 matches in 2021.

He has also been a part of two World Club Challenge victories over English Super League teams and represented both the NRL and Maori All Stars teams.

Bromwich was crowned the Dally M Prop of the Year in 2016. He will join the Dolphins franchise at their Queensland base when the 2023 NRL pre-season gets underway in November.