Xerri’s future uncertain after Gould meeting and NRL axing

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Bronson Xerri’s future at Canterbury remains uncertain after meeting with Bulldogs boss Phil Gould, with the strike centre set to be dropped for this week’s clash against Canberra.

Xerri met with Gould on Sunday morning, which the Canterbury supremo publicised on social media, following reports the previous day the centre was unhappy at the club and was seeking an immediate release.

As it stands, sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak publicly have indicated Xerri is yet to make any release request.

He is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2027. However, he is understood to be disgruntled after being told Enari Tuala will be selected in the centres position for Thursday’s clash against the Raiders.

Xerri’s management and Gould have been contacted for comment, but are yet to respond.

Xerri, 25, participated in Canterbury’s field session on Sunday morning and has been part of team training sessions throughout the bye week after the Bulldogs’ season opener in Las Vegas.

Xerri has switched to right centre this season with captain Stephen Crichton moving to the left edge. Crichton said he checked in with Xerri as soon as he arrived at training on Sunday and is confident the drama around his teammate won’t be a distraction from what looms as a promising 2026 campaign.

“He’s [been] in at training today and still seems the same,” Crichton said. “I know the people upstairs, Gus and Ciro [coach Cameron Ciraldo] will sort that out and put the club first.

“It [reports Xerri wanted a release] caught me by surprise. I didn’t know about it. But there’s people that work in that space that can do the right thing by the club and do the right thing by Bronson. We love Bronson here and he’s got a good relationship with all the boys. It caught a few of the boys off guard, too.”

Gould initially dismissed a News Corp report that Xerri is unhappy at the club in a post on X on Saturday afternoon, and denied suggestions a release request had already been made.