He was tempted but retiring Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich won't be joining his great mate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the English Super League next year.
His 34-year-old body has told Bromwich enough is enough.
One of the best props of the NRL era has decided to pull up stumps at the end of 2024 after a career for the ages that so far includes three premierships with Melbourne, 317 NRL games and 34 Tests for New Zealand.
After getting though a tough pre-season, just, Bromwich is primed for one last campaign where he has vowed to give it his all.
"It is just my body. These pre-seasons don't get any easier and it is a bit harder to get the body through,” Bromwich said.
“I just think it is time for the younger guys to step up and have their time but I am willing to leave everything out there and do everything I can for this team. I still love it. I still enjoy coming to work but my body is telling me (the end) is close.”
Bromwich has launched many great battles with Waerea-Hargreaves for the Kiwis, and against the Roosters enforcer. Waerea-Hargreaves, 35, will join Hull KR next year.
"There was a little bit (of temptation to join Waerea-Hargreaves) but I have spent a lot of time on the road and putting my family through a lot,” Bromwich said.
“They have been along for the ride the whole time but it is time for me to put my family first.
"My eldest son is starting high school this year. We had to take the kids out of school and move them all up here (from Melbourne) and it would be too hard for me to pack them up and move them away, and possibly bring them back again.”
Bromwich said he decided to make the retirement call at the start of the season rather than the end so the club could plan for his replacement, and he could prepare for life after football.
Coaching won’t be on the agenda at this stage.
"I'm not too interested in coaching to be honest. I've had a long career sitting in those video rooms for hours and hours,” he said.
“I wouldn't mind popping my head into this club. I am staying up this way, so we will see."
For a footballer who has achieved it all, the round-one win last year over the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium still gets Bromwich emotional.
"Everyone wrote us off. To run out there in Dolphins colours for the first time as an NRL side was up there with one of the most emotional games I have ever been a part of, outside of grand-final victories,” Bromwich said.
“To see the faces of the board members, ex-players and all their families and realise what we had done for the area, that was special. Every time I see the scenes of that it gives me goose bumps."
Bromwich and the Dolphins kick off their 2024 NRL campaign on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium against North Queensland.
