Towering prop Jesse Bromwich is thriving within the Kiwis environment and growing accustomed to playing a leadership role in the side.
Since debuting off the bench for the Kiwis in the 2012 Anzac test at Eden Park, Bromwich has been a mainstay in the Kiwis' starting pack, playing in every test since, except the 2013 World Cup pool game against France.
As he looks ahead to making his 12th test appearance against England in Dunedin tonight, Bromwich says finding the confidence to back his ability is the main reason behind his dominant form at NRL and test level in 2014.
"I feel like I'm a lot more confident in myself," Bromwich explains. "I can definitely feel it but I'm just taking it week by week and trying not to get ahead of myself. I'm just working hard and listening to the coaches.
"I guess Mooks [Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney] has put a little bit more leadership on me but I'm just trying to my job as best I can and trying to work hard and show the boys the way.
"I'm really enjoying it at the moment. All the boys are really making me feel welcome and I love coming into camp with the Kiwis. Mooks and the staff are doing a great job so it's awesome coming back."
A high work rate and strong defensive game have always been strong features of his play, but the recent increase in offloads and tackle-busts have helped his rise in stature, to see him ranked among the best front-rowers in the world.
Being named Melbourne Storm's Player of the Year has only helped his self-belief and indicative of the huge strides in his game over the past 12 months.
The former Manurewa Marlins junior was a standout performer in the Kiwis' two opening Four Nations victories over Australia and Samoa.
Against the Kangaroos in Brisbane, Bromwich made 17 runs and five tackle-breaks for 135 metres, in a powerful 43 minute contribution, to see him trail only Martin Taupau (137 metres) as the second-most effective forward on the park.
He went to another level against Samoa, carving out a game-high 201 metres from 21 runs over 64 minutes, together with a gut-busting 30 tackles, while he also managed to produce four offloads in each outing.
Maintaining his club connections with fellow Storm forwards Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris at test level has only helped his play, and given him an added sense of familiarity within the Kiwis camp.
"I think so. We've got that little connection. I spend most of my time with Kevin Proctor, we always hang out. We've been playing together for a few years now so I know what they're going to do and they know what I'm going to do. It's awesome to have those two boys here to share the experience with as well."
Apart from his imposing physical presence, Bromwich also impresses with the manner in which he carries and articulates himself.
Five years of playing under Storm coach Craig Bellamy, and alongside 'The Big Three' of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, has assisted his development on and off the park, and Bromwich is quick to credit Kiwis captain Simon Mannering for providing the same influence.
"I hope so. I really look up to those guys and the way they carry themselves. Even guys like Simon Mannering, he's a great leader too, so working with guys like that really helps. They are so humble and they work so hard and I think that's what a good leader is. I'll keep trundling down those roads and keep watching those fellas."
Having lived in Australia since he was 17, Bromwich is relishing his time back on home soil, and the chance to trek around the country and play in front of family and friends.
His parents are also based in Melbourne but have made the trip across to follow his Four Nations journey.
"It's been a long time. I've been away for six or seven years and the only time I come back is when I'm on holiday and then I'm not doing much, just staying at home.
"It's good to play in front of them. I never get the chance to play footy in front of them and also for them to come to the games. My family is over from Melbourne too so it's awesome."
By David Skipwith of the New Zealand Herald
