Xerri poised to learn his fate at Bulldogs after Good Friday snub

Bronson Xerri is about to discover if he has a future at Canterbury.

Dumped to reserve grade after round one, Xerri’s stint in purgatory continued in the Good Friday loss to South Sydney. Coach Cameron Ciraldo had Xerri on a six-man bench for the Rabbitohs clash in case of injury, but opted not to activate him despite an AC shoulder injury cutting short the day of captain Stephen Crichton.

Despite Xerri being a like-for-like centre replacement, Ciraldo shifted Matt Burton into the centres and brought Sean O’Sullivan off the bench to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves. The reshuffled combination was ineffective in a mistake-riddled performance from the Bulldogs in the second half.

Xerri was initially furious about his demotion after round one, but he has not subsequently agitated for a release. That could change should he be overlooked again as Crichton’s replacement, adding intrigue to the team Ciraldo names on Tuesday afternoon for the clash against Penrith.

Burton’s halves combination with Galvin has been hit-and-miss this season, prompting some critics to question whether a reshuffle is required. Burton is no stranger to playing in the centres, starting in the position on 21 occasions in the NRL, including Penrith’s 2021 grand final win over South Sydney.

The NSW and Australia star said he would have no qualms about playing centre again on Thursday, if it gives his team the best chance of upsetting the undefeated Panthers.

“I’ll do anything that helps the team and the coach will make the right call,” Burton said. “I’ll go back to training and train hard, we’ll see what happens.”

Galvin was a standout for Canterbury in the opening half against Souths, but could not impose himself on the contest with Burton – and later O’Sullivan – in the second.

“We’ve been building each week and trying to get the best out of each other,” Burton said of Galvin. “[This] was a step in the right direction. Whoever steps into that role will do a job and it will be back on again.”

O’Sullivan has made 62 NRL appearances for the Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Dolphins and Bulldogs, and is hopeful of adding to that tally next week.

“Obviously if Critter [Crichton] isn’t right, I’ll put my hand up,” O’Sullivan said.

“I’m obviously rooting for Critter to be sweet and whatever Ciro decides, that’s what we’ll do. I’ve been really happy with my pre-season and how I’m gelling with the team.

“If I get the opportunity, I’ll take it with both hands.”

While Galvin has copped criticism from some quarters for his performances this year, O’Sullivan has enjoyed the time they’ve spent together in games and in training.

“He’s a good kid and he had a really good game,” O’Sullivan said.

“We’re just trying to build on that connection and with everyone in the team.

“The best thing about Lachie is he’s a competitor, he doesn’t die wondering. It’s something he needs to keep in his game because it’s unreal. We’re all backing him 110 per cent.”

Burton is contracted to Canterbury until the end of next year, but there has been ongoing speculation about the prospect of him leaving early, potentially to join the Perth Bears. However, the 26-year-old is not paying attention to the conjecture.

“I’ve got a job to do here – that’s my main priority,” Burton said.

“All the outside noise, I don’t read into it. I’ve got a job to do for the team – that’s first and foremost.”