New Zealand captain Jesse Bromwich has endorsed calls for a mid-season clash between the Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga to become an annual fixture on the rugby league calendar.
“The atmosphere- I don’t think there’s anything like it,” Bromwich said post-match after New Zealand had defeated Tonga 26-6 in front of a sell-out crowd at Mt Smart Stadium.
Bromwich & Maguire call for annual Test match against Tonga
“I’m getting older now, but it’s games like these that I’ll remember when I finish,” Bromwich revealed.
“Obviously, a lot of us haven’t been able to get home, but it’s really nice to come back and play in front of our fans.
“The Tongan community came out and they’re very loud and vocal. All the flags out there, it’s crazy.
“You never see anything like it. So, it’s nice to be a part of it.
“It gives me goosebumps every time, to be able to go out there and perform in front of them. When the music gets going and they start singing and dancing, it’s very nice to see,” he added.
The Haka... chills every time. 🖤🤍#PacificTest pic.twitter.com/OVs28Se2kN
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2022
New Zealand's coach Michael Maguire was asked on his thoughts over whether a mid-season Test match should become a permanent date, given the massive turnout as international rugby league returned to the country for the first time in years.
“Definitely,” Maguire said.
“Look at the fans. I back up what Jesse just spoke about- the atmosphere was incredible.
“Just to hear the noise. Up in the coaches box you can’t really get it, but it was blaring through the windows. It was excellent.
“It’s great for the game. And obviously for New Zealand rugby league,” he said.
Bromwich says display was 'one of the best I've seen'
Bromwich lavished praise on Joey Manu after his man-of-the-match performance in the Kiwis' big victory on home soil.
WELCOME HOME. 🖤🤍#PacificTest pic.twitter.com/xAPOkUdAdU
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2022
“It was just the involvement… He was beating defenders one-on-one and bringing the ball back with aggression.
“It’s really nice to see as a forward when they put a kick in-behind and you turn around and see your fullback just flying back and getting rid of people whenever he felt like it.”
The Storm prop was quizzed on where Manu’s performance ranked in all-time fullback displays he’d seen and Bromwich was quick to give the Roosters star plenty of credit.
“It’s one of the best performances I’ve seen from a fullback and that’s saying something. I’ve played with some really good fullbacks… Joey Manu is right up there.”
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New Zealand's focus on defence pays off
The Kiwis dominated through the middle of the park, as Tonga constantly struggled to turn around their big pack and apply pressure.
The kicking games of the two sides was a major point of difference with Jahrome Hughes guiding the Kiwis around with minimal fuss, while Kotoni Staggs and Talatau Amone struggled to have the same impact for Tonga.
More: New Zealand record dominant win over Tonga during their emotional homecoming
However, Bromwich identified the side’s improved defence as the major improvement to take away from the clash.
“Competitions are won on defence; we all know that. To get our international team talking like that - having conversations around our defence being the main focus - that’s a team I want to be part of,” the Kiwi captain said.
“I think that’s a team that’s going to be successful.”
