Captain Stephen Crichton has finally addressed the rumors surrounding a supposed feud with teammate Bronson Xerri, firmly dismissing claims of tension between the two Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs stars.
Speculation had intensified in recent days following reports of a heated training ground exchange between the pair, sparking talk that the relationship between the two centres had broken down.
However, Crichton has now moved to shut down those claims, insisting the story has been blown out of proportion.
Crichton Denies Any Rift
Speaking about the reports, Crichton made it clear that the alleged conflict was nothing more than outside noise and that there is no bad blood between him and Xerri.
> “The noise is all coming from outside,” Crichton said.
“There is absolutely no bad blood between us.”
The Bulldogs skipper emphasized that disagreements can sometimes occur during intense training sessions but stressed that it is a normal part of competitive sport and not an indication of a deeper issue.
Support for Xerri Amid Recent Pressure
Crichton also expressed his support for Xerri, who has recently been at the center of speculation about his future at the club after being dropped to the NSW Cup.
Rather than distancing himself from his teammate, the captain made it clear that he hopes Xerri remains with the club.
> “I hope he stays because he is an important player for us.”
The comments highlight the respect within the Bulldogs squad for the talented centre, who has established himself as one of the team’s key attacking threats since joining the club.
Bulldogs Looking to Stay United
With the Bulldogs aiming to build momentum early in the NRL season, Crichton’s statement appears designed to reinforce unity within the squad and shut down any distractions that could affect performances on the field.
For Canterbury, maintaining a strong dressing-room atmosphere will be vital as they look to compete against some of the NRL’s toughest teams.
Focus Back on Football
For now, both Crichton and Xerri appear focused on moving forward and ensuring the team remains united despite the outside speculation.
By publicly addressing the rumors and backing his teammate, Crichton has attempted to draw a line under the controversy, allowing the Bulldogs to concentrate fully on their campaign.
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