Melbourne have moved to secure their future beyond their big three superstars by locking down New Zealand Test captain Jesse Bromwich on a long-term deal.

Captain-in-waiting Bromwich, 27, has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season, with an option to extend by a further two years.

Bromwich, three-time club player of the year and last year’s Dally M prop of the year, has played 160 games with the Storm since making his NRL debut in 2010, missing only two games since 2011.

With the big three, Cooper Cronk, captain Cameron Smith and Billy Slater all aged 33 and in their NRL career twilight years, Bromwich shapes as the player to lead them in the longer-term as they attempt to extend an era of huge success.

“To have Jesse commit to a three-year deal is an enormous statement to both the short term and long-term future of the club,” Storm football director Frank Ponissi said in a statement on Tuesday.

“His hard work and commitment has seen him develop into the best front rower in the NRL.

“We look forward to seeing him continue at the high level he has set, while also helping to develop the younger players around him.”

Bromwich will miss the Storm’s round two clash with the Warriors in Auckland on Friday after his dislocated thumb pierced through his skin in their opening win over Canterbury.