Bronson Xerri's startling confession after starring in NRL return for the Bulldogs
After more than four years out of the game Bronson Xerri scored in his debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Bronson Xerri has been out of the NRL for more than four years but shone in his return to the game, helping the Bulldogs to a 24-12 win over the Storm at Belmore. Thursday night's game was Xerri's first competitive match since testing positive for a banned substance in November of 2019, just one season into his NRL career, which saw him banned for four years.
After scoring 13 tries in 22 games for the Sharks, the Bulldogs took him on at the end of 2023 at the conclusion of his doping ban. In his debut for the club, he played 65 minutes in the Dogs win over the Storm.
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After his successful debut, Xerri admitted he was more nervous for this game than any other match in his career. "I did the hard yards in those four years so it was good to run out and get amongst it. I enjoyed it," he said. "The hardest part was getting the rust out. I definitely felt a bit rusty, but I just wanted to get through the game and get some time under my belt. I think the team played well so it’s only up from here.
"I think all the dark times in those four years came back to me (when I scored). It was unreal,” he said. There were a lot of nerves and I was very emotional running out there and seeing my family. As hard as it was and as rusty as I was, I enjoyed it and loved it. That was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I think the team and the coaching staff prepared me as best as I could to come out and play my best. I always knew there would be a bit of rust, but I’m just happy I got through tonight.
"I think if anyone hadn’t played for four years then they would have come out with some nerves and a bit of rust. I’m proud of myself for getting through tonight. I knew it was going to be hard, but I’m proud of myself."
Bronson Xerri reveals he only watched Bulldogs matches in the lead-up to his return
The 23-year-old is pushing for a starting spot in round one and will have another opportunity to show why he should get it when the Dogs meet the Sharks next Friday. Xerri says in the race for the starting centre position he holds a key advantage over his rivals as in his time off he has studied the Bulldogs style, with a focus on how to play centre in Cameron Ciraldo's system.
"Last year, I only watched the Bulldogs play. I didn’t watch any other club," he said. "This is all I do now, it’s my life. I come in and study the game and I’ve got great experienced players in my position and the coaching staff to help me through it,” he said.
"I came in and was asking questions ‘we can’t do this, but we can do that’. It’s crazy, but that’s what pre-season is for. We’ve worked hard and I think we’re in a good position now."
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