Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri is expected to move on at the end of the season after being spotted with his manager on a plane after meeting the Storm in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Xerri was seen with his agent Matt Desira on a flight back to Sydney on Tuesday night with his future now well and truly in the spotlight.
Parramatta have also met Xerri as the 25-year-old ponders his next move. It is understood that the Bulldogs will not stand in Xerri’s way should he want out of the club despite being contracted until the end of next season.
Whether Xerri moves before Tuesday’s June 30 deadline remains to be seen but he is now at long odds to remain at Canterbury beyond this year.
Xerri has had a turbulent season with the Bulldogs having started in their round one clash in Las Vegas.
However, he quickly fell out of favour with the Bulldogs coaching staff and was relegated to NSW Cup. He won back his place in first grade after just two reserve grade games.
Xerri returned to Canterbury’s starting side in round six but was omitted from their 17 in their last-start win to Manly.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo has again overlooked Xerri for their clash against the Titans on Friday – he has been named in No.19 jersey.
The Bulldogs have switched Matt Burton from the halves to centre with Enari Tuala preferred to start instead of Xerri.
Canterbury are also closing in on Penrith’s Jesse McLean, who is expected to join the club next year.
Stephen Crichton is still viewed as one of the game’s best centres despite being named to play five-eighth again this week.
Xerri resurrected his NRL career with the Bulldogs in 2024 and was a centrepiece of their backline last year as Canterbury emerged as a premiership threat.
He will have no problem finding a new home given his form since returning to the game. The Eels have made no secret of their desire to strengthen their squad and are yet to land a replacement for Zac Lomax, who walked out of the club during the off-season.
Melbourne are also making moves in the outside backs after losing Will Warbrick (Warriors) and Nick Meaney (Bears) for next year.
There is also uncertainty over the future of centre Jack Howarth – he is contracted until the end of next season but it is understood the club will listen to any offers should he field a long-term contract from a rival.
The Storm have mitigated some of those losses by signing Dolphins pointscoring whiz Jamayne Isaako for 2027.
Replies
At least with centre spot you could look at xerri tago timoko Howarth like a fair few available. Just pick one
I'd prefer Howarth.
Did someone say Penisini to Storm?
Clearly Bellamy and the Storm thinks Xerri is better than Howarth. I tend to agree.
Samrani is already a similar version of Howarth, but more reliable IMO.
Timoko and Xerri would be my first choice centres.
Agree!
Having Xerri inside JAC could be a very lethal combination of speed and power, as long as we're not over-paying Xerri this would be a good signing. From what I can tell, this is just the Dogs managing Xerri out to make room for Jesse McClean. I haven't seen Xerri play poorly, this is just smart cap management from the Dogs, so it's equally a beneficial pickup for us with Russell leaving.
I think Xerri is collateral damage for Burton moving. But also obviously a fall out with CC, that has led to him being at Dogs as insufferable now. Xerri was only used out of necessity not as CC wanted him.
Its funny as Xerri was all set to come to Parra in 2023 but we only offered 1 year. Dogs offered 2 and he took it.
Also, side note. Funny how many here went off that we are not even chasing Xerri, I and a few others said how do you know we are not. Just shows sometimes that things need to play out before reacting. Not saying that was you Clintorian though.
LB I agree, I don't know how you are the most patient person on all forums. Credit to you man. 🫡
lol patient? Mate I'm not patient. I can be reactionary too. But sometimes just have to let things play out, then you can look at what is presented when all said and done then say yes or no to liking it.
Until then at times you are complaining about nothing.
Yes LB , and now true to form we will offer him a 4 year deal at 4 times the asking price of 2023 🤣
If we have been pursuing him this whole time ,I wouldn't be overly confident he's coming to us . If you're correct and we have , it seems we may have another Galvin scenario on our hands . The dudes that impressed by our club he's waited for another suitor to come along after we've been pursuing him for what 2 months ?
It's just unfortunate we're up against the Storm for his signature
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