Jesse Bromwich is ready to step out of his comfort zone when leads New Zealand in Friday's rugby league Test against Australia.
It will be the first time in his career that Bromwich has captained a team.
Having toiled as the leader of Melbourne's engine room in the shadow of star trio Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, Bromwich says he's ready for the added responsibility.
"It's my first time being captain so it's time for me to come out of my comfort zone," said Bromwich on day one of the Kiwis' camp in Sydney on Monday.
While he has long been a part of Melbourne's leadership team, Bromwich has never had to carry the captaincy duties, with former veteran Ryan Hinchcliffe previously used as back up after the big three.
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Now he'll have to lead a depleted Kiwi side without a number of star regulars, including Kieran Foran, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino and Manu Vatuvei.
Fellow prop Adam Blair captained the team last year.
"It's easily one of the proudest moments of my career," said Bromwich, who'll play his 18th Test match.
"I was a bit shocked at the start, told my partner, and she was crying."
The 26-year-old Bromwich said he also wouldn't allow his club teammate and Kangaroos counterpart Smith to have his own way in Newcastle.
"There's no going easier on anyone. I'll be going just as hard on him," he said.
"For me I think it's just more with my actions. I'm not really the loudest talker but I'll have to do a little bit more talking in meetings.
"It's just about me going out there doing my job, taking on that extra little bit of responsibility."
