Jesse Bromwich steps down as Kiwis captain

  • 07/05/2017
Jesse Bromwich (Getty Images)
Jesse Bromwich (Getty Images)

Jesse Bromwich has announced he will step down as Kiwis captain after being snapped on CCTV video allegedly using cocaine with Kevin Proctor.  

In a statement, Bronwhich says he regrets his decision and apologises to all rugby league fans.

"I'd like to start by firstly apologising to my family, Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Rugby League, the NRL, my teammates, the sponsors, and the members and fans," says Bromwhich.

"I regret making the choice of staying out with my teammates until the early hours of Saturday morning, as well as consuming an excessive amount of alcohol.

"I take full responsibility for the poor choices I made. I am devastated and my actions were out of character.

"Playing footy for Melbourne Storm and the Kiwis is a great honour and I apologise for letting down everyone involved in both organisations.

"I will be stepping down from my leadership roles with Melbourne Storm and the Kiwis. I understand I am a role model to the young players and the poor choices I made do not reflect my personal values.

"I fully accept the sanctions that have been handed down."

Kevin Proctor (Getty Images)
Kevin Proctor (Getty Images)

This follows the news Kevin Proctor voluntary stood down as Gold Coast Titans captain, and stood himself down from playing until the board makes a decision.

Proctor says he does not remember taking the drug, stating the night was a "blur".

"After the game we went back to the New Zealand team hotel and had a late dinner. After the dinner we went to a local club to have a few drinks and the rest is a bit of a blur as I obviously had too much to drink before the incident that has caused all the trouble happened much later in the night.

"Although I can't remember exactly what happened, I don't deny it."

Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said in a separate statement this has been a tough day for Jesse.

"Earlier today, our football director, Frank Ponissi, and I spoke to Jesse Bromwich regarding a matter that took place following the Anzac Test in Canberra on Friday night," the statement says.

"Jesse was extremely remorseful for putting himself in a position of risk that has obviously had an impact on his Club, despite being on international duties.

"He is genuinely disappointed by his poor choices and he's accepted a number of sanctions that have been imposed upon him by the club for breaching our code of conduct.

"Melbourne Storm has extremely high standards and we make no apologies for that. This has been a tough lesson for Jesse."

Bromwich will miss the Storm's next two matches and will also donate his Anzac Test match fee to a selected charity.

Newshub.