Bromwich set for grand final shot with Devils

Kenny Bromwich admits that tomorrow could be the last game of his outstanding rugby league career.

He began as a five-year-old with the Manurewa Marlins and now prepares as a 34-year-old for Norths’ Hostplus Cup grand final against Burleigh Bears at Kayo Stadium.

In between have been his many achievements: two NRL premierships; 15 Tests for New Zealand; 260 NRL games; and foundation NRL Dolphins player.

Most importantly, Bromwich is a gentleman.

He has been outstanding this season at Norths, promising in his jersey presentation before his Devils debut in March that he would do whatever he could to help the club and his new teammates improve.

Bromwich has delivered on that in 14 matches including on his birthday in last Sunday’s preliminary final that propelled the Devils within one win of their fourth premiership in five years.

Typically, Bromwich doesn’t want extra focus on him tomorrow.

And he’s not shutting the door completely on a playing career that ended at NRL level with the Dolphins this season.

“It could be (my last game) but I’m not really thinking about it that much,” Bromwich said.

“I’m just focusing on playing this game and I can’t think about what’s next afterwards.

“Grand finals are always a privilege to play in.”

Bromwich has played in seven grand finals across the NRL, Hostplus Cup and SG Ball Under 19 level.

This will be his third Hostplus Cup decider – he was in losing teams in 2013 and 2014 with Easts Tigers when starting out his Melbourne Storm career.
His greatest moments came alongside brother Jesse in NRL premierships in 2017 – in a team including Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster – and 2020.

Bromwich has enjoyed his season at the Devils, following Slater, Cronk and Smith at the historic club.

“I came here to play and I just wanted to play as best I could and to help out as much as I could,” Bromwich said.

“I’ve really enjoyed being able to come back and play at a club like this.”

Bromwich has played in the Devils’ two matches against Burleigh this season.
The Bears won by four points at Burleigh in July and by eight points at Bishop Park last month.

“Burleigh will play tough,” Bromwich said.

“Both games so far this season have been tough and close so this will probably be the same.

“We’ve had a good prep this week and we’ll be ready.”

Photo by Alan Drinnen