New Zealand's Jesse Bromwich wants to win Four Nations for Thomas Leuluai
Thursday 17 November 2016 12:34, UK
New Zealand captain Jesse Bromwich says his team will be aiming to win the Four Nations for sidelined team-mate Thomas Leuluai.
The unlucky Leuluai, who is returning to Wigan next season, will be watching Sunday's final against Australia at Anfield from the stands after suffering a double fracture of his jaw in the Kiwis' 18-18 draw with Scotland in Workington last Friday.
Leuluai, 31, who won his 37th cap against the Bravehearts, has been dogged by injury over the last two years.
He was forced to miss New Zealand's 2015 Test series against England with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and was taken off 30 minutes from the end of their opening Four Nations clash with England for a concussion assessment.
The Kiwis were leading 10-4 when the hooker or half-back went off clutching his jaw following a 57th-minute clash of heads at Derwent Park and Bromwich admits he is a big loss going into the final.
"He's been going really well for the Kiwis for the last few years," Bromwich said. "He's someone that we all look up to.
"He's been around for years but he's a solid defender, he's very loud out on the park and he's going to be sorely missed.
"That should give us more motivation, playing for Tommy who won't be able to be there.
"He's still with the squad but he's eating out of a straw at the moment, which is unfortunate. But he's in good spirits and he's still happy to be around the camp."
Leuluai, who cut short his second stint with New Zealand Warriors to return to England for family reasons, has been given a 10-week recovery period by Wigan so should be fit for the start of the new Super League season in February.
In the meantime, New Zealand coach David Kidwell is expected to switch second rower Tohu Harris to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves against the Kangaroos rather than bring in rookie stand-off Te Maire Martin for his first full cap.
"We've a couple of options there," Bromwich said. "He hasn't told us what he's going to do yet but all the young boys have been training really well so everyone's put their hand up for the team this week."
Forwards Jason Taumalolo and Kevin Proctor are sure to return after being rested against the Bravehearts and Bromwich is particularly looking forward to the former making an impact after his outstanding year for the Cowboys in the NRL.
"He makes a big difference with our attack," Bromwich said. "He's a very dangerous carrier of the ball and we've got Kevin Proctor who's a great defender for our team and does a great job.
"With respect to the boys who played last week and did a great job, I'm looking forward to having all the boys back."
