The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been left shocked after star centre Bronson Xerri reportedly requested an immediate release from the club, just one game into the 2026 season.
According to reports, the sudden request has caught the Bulldogs off guard, especially considering Xerri played a key role in the team’s Round 1 victory earlier this year.
A Surprise Exit After Round One
Xerri featured in Canterbury’s opening match of the 2026 National Rugby League season, where the Bulldogs secured a dramatic golden-point win against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Las Vegas.
However, despite the strong start to the season, the talented centre is now poised to formally ask the club for an immediate release, raising serious questions about his future at Belmore.
The Bulldogs currently have a Round 2 bye, giving the club a brief window to resolve the situation.
Position Change Could Be a Factor
One of the potential reasons behind Xerri’s dissatisfaction appears to be a positional shift within the team.
After playing predominantly on the left side, the centre was moved to the right centre position this season, with club captain Stephen Crichton occupying the left-centre role.
While the exact reasons behind Xerri’s request remain unclear, the positional change is believed to have contributed to his frustration.
Bulldogs Likely to Approve Request
Although the Bulldogs have not yet officially granted the release, insiders suggest the club is likely to approve the request should Xerri formally push for an exit.
If that happens, it would mark a surprising end to his time at Canterbury just two seasons after he joined the club in 2024.
A Remarkable Comeback Story
Xerri’s rise at Canterbury had been widely praised after he returned to professional rugby league following a four-year suspension related to a doping violation earlier in his career.
Since his return, the powerful centre quickly rebuilt his reputation and established himself as one of the NRL’s most dangerous attacking backs, becoming a key figure in the Bulldogs’ squad.
Uncertain Future Ahead
With his release request now looming, speculation is already growing about where Xerri could land next if Canterbury approves the move.
For the Bulldogs, losing one of their most explosive centres so early in the season would represent a major disruption, especially after a promising start to the campaign.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts across the NRL will be watching closely to see whether Bronson Xerri has already played his final match in Bulldogs colours.
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