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Bulldogs star Bronson Xerri is on the radar of several NRL rivals as an early exit from Canterbury looms at the end of 2026.
Xerri and his management have held talks with officials from Melbourne and Parramatta recently after requesting permission from the Bulldogs to test the open market before November 1.
The Storm and Eels are keen on a pre-June 30 move given their injuries and lack of depth out wide, but as it stands Xerri only has permission to negotiate for a move in 2027.
It is considered unlikely the Bulldogs will entertain releasing Xerri this season given they remain in contention for the finals.
Canterbury have also been negotiating a potential extension beyond his existing deal, which expires at the end of 2027 and is worth a reported $500,000 a year.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of negotiations have indicated that Canterbury hold the last right of refusal on Xerri’s contract, and can still match any offer he receives.
The club is unlikely to stand in his way though if he can secure a longer-term deal elsewhere, given he has been relegated from the Bulldogs’ game-day 17 twice this season.
Xerri was the high-profile casualty of Stephen Crichton’s surprise shift to five-eighth in Saturday’s win over Manly, which was made in part to move Matt Burton to centre to ease playmaking responsibilities on one of the Bulldogs’ biggest earners.
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has retained the same backline for Friday’s clash against the Titans, with Xerri named on an extended 19-man bench and Enari Tuala preferred at right centre.
Ciraldo stressed after the Sea Eagles upset that Xerri’s attitude had been “outstanding” after his axing earlier this year triggered reports he was unhappy and wanted out.
Xerri shapes as a quality recruit for several clubs, chiefly the Storm and Eels, who have been short on outside backs since their court battle over Zac Lomax ended in the representative star moving to rugby union.
The Storm’s roster is in the midst of an overhaul with experienced flyers Will Warbrick (Warriors) and Nick Meaney (Perth Bears) on the move and off-contract back-rower Shawn Blore also expected to depart at the end of 2026.
St George Illawarra are also undergoing a roster overhaul as Dean Young bids to be appointed as full-time head coach, and the Bears are still building their inaugural NRL squad.
As for the Bulldogs, Burton’s shift from the scrum base is a key facet in his next contract beyond 2027, though he has made it clear to the Canterbury hierarchy that he is not particularly fazed about what position he plays.
The Bulldogs and Burton are keen for him to stay at Belmore, but no extension offer has been tabled as yet.
Canterbury supremo Phil Gould referred to Burton’s potential market value – particularly as a marquee half in the sights of Perth Bears – last month on The Bye Round podcast.
“Over the next 18 months we’ve got to work out what we pay Matt Burton,” Gould said.
“If he plays centre, what are you going to pay him? If he plays five-eighth, what are you going to pay him? Well, he’s got some decisions to make.”
