Jesse Bromwich named as inaugural Dolphins captain

The Dolphins have announced veteran prop Jesse Bromwich as the man to lead the NRL's newest franchise in 2023.

Bromwich was unveiled as the club's inaugural captain at the Dolphins season launch on Friday evening. 

With a resume consisting of 295 NRL games, five grand final appearances and three World Cup tours, the 33-year-old emerged as the obvious candidate to lead the Dolphins in their maiden season under coach Wayne Bennett.

Replacing retired hooker Cameron Smith as Melbourne Storm captain in 2021, and most recently leading the New Zealand Kiwis to the World Cup finals, Bromwich's appointment is a crucial one for the Dolphins.

"It's going to be a real honour to lead the boys out this year," Bromwich said.

"Obviously, to be the first captain of this NRL side is pretty special to me and my family. I can't wait to get out there. I promise I'll be out there doing everything I can to make sure I do a good job for the boys."

"It's a huge honour and I don't take this lightly," the Kiwi veteran added at Friday's season launch. “I am very lucky to lead these guys out this year."

Bennett said Bromwich was "never in doubt" of being named captain of the club in its inaugural season in the Telstra Premiership.

"I love his calmness," Bennett said, "and the way he leads from the front foot.

"I can’t think of a finer man in our group — that’s why he’s our captain."

The Dolphins won't have a player feature in the Harvey Norman All Stars match on February 11 with several of their new recruits, including Bromwich, expected to run out during the two-week Pre-season Challenge.

Bennett's side will take on the Cowboys in Cairns before hosting the Titans at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe prior to their historic Round 1 clash on March 5.