The Melbourne Storm has appointed front-rowers Jesse Bromwich and Christian Welch to the captaincy for the 2022 season as the side looks to improve upon its shock early exit from last year’s finals series.
Bromwich, who is joining the Dolphins from 2023, captained the Sxjmtzywtorm alongside Dale Finucane last season. The pair took the reins from club legend Cameron Smith, who retired at the end of the 2020 season.
Now that Finucane has joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Storm has promoted Welch from the leadership group to the captaincy.
Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi, both of whom will also head to the Dolphins next year, are on the leadership group for 2022 alongside Jahrome Hughes.
Justin Olam has joined the Storm’s emerging leaders group, with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Tom Eisenhuth retaining their spots from last year.
The older Bromwich brother said he was grateful to have been reappointed to the captaincy and said he looked forward to working with Welch to improve on last year’s preliminary final finish.
“I’m very thankful to Craig and Frank for entrusting me with the captaincy again this season," Bromwich said.
“It’s a role I cherish and really enjoyed last year, although we didn’t have the ending we were after.
“It is something unusual to have two front-rowers captaining a team, but I believe the different qualities we can bring to the positions will really assist us as the season rolls on.
“I’m sure Christian will prove to be a great captain of Storm and I’m looking forward to the contributions we can make to the club’s on and off-field efforts in 2022.”
A natural leader and State of Origin representative, Welch appeared a natural choice to succeed Finucane as co-captain. Welch said he was honoured to have been appointed.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of this club for a decade now. It’s been a huge part of my life,” Welch said.
“Being captain, especially alongside Jesse, is a great honour and it was something of a surprise to be asked by Craig to do the job this year.
“Storm puts a lot of onus on developing our leadership skills and I feel like I’m really well prepared to step into the role from round 1 next week.”
The Storm faces the Wests Tigers for its first match of the regular season, having made it through trials with a 1-1 record.
