The future of Bronson Xerri at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs appears to have taken a calmer turn after a crucial meeting with club boss Phil Gould, with the star centre now expected to remain at Belmore and fight his way back into the NRL squad.
Meeting Held to Clear the Air
Xerri sat down with Gould on Sunday morning for what has been described as a breakfast meeting aimed at clearing the air following reports that the 25-year-old was unhappy at the club and seeking an immediate release.
After the discussion, Xerri returned to training with the Bulldogs as normal, suggesting tensions may have eased.
His acting manager George Christodoulou confirmed that the meeting was arranged to discuss the player’s situation and ensure everyone was aligned regarding his immediate future.
Dropped to NSW Cup
The situation escalated after Xerri was informed on Saturday that he would be dropped from the NRL side to the NSW Cup, with Enari Tuala set to replace him at right centre for Thursday’s clash against the Canberra Raiders.
The decision was made by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, a move that sparked speculation about Xerri’s future at the club.
Agent Urges Xerri to Fight for His Place
Christodoulou moved quickly to calm the rumors, insisting that no formal release request has been made by the player and that leaving the club is not currently being considered.
“To be an elite NRL player, you can’t kick stones,” Christodoulou said.
He emphasized that the best path forward for Xerri is to focus on his performances, training, and attitude rather than searching for an early exit.
“I don’t want to offer a soft option out for the kid by asking for a release. He needs to put his best foot forward and focus on his game.”
According to the agent, the recent drama has been exaggerated and described it as “a storm in a teacup.”
Contract Situation Still Stable
Xerri remains under contract with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2027 season, and Christodoulou confirmed that neither side has initiated talks about new long-term contract arrangements.
However, there has been speculation that the Bulldogs’ future salary-cap planning beyond 2027 could play a role in the player’s frustration. Gould declined to comment on those suggestions when approached.
Focus Now on Earning First-Grade Return
For now, Xerri’s immediate task is clear: perform strongly in the NSW Cup and force his way back into the NRL lineup.
The talented centre, who rebuilt his career after serving a lengthy suspension earlier in his career, remains one of the Bulldogs’ most dangerous attacking options when at his best.
With the club preparing for their upcoming clash against Canberra, the focus for Xerri will be on letting his performances speak for him as he attempts to reclaim his spot in the top side.
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