Bulldogs star Bronson Xerri has sensationally requested an immediate release from his contract.

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According to Code Sports, Xerri has informed the Dogs he wishes to be granted the release just one game into the 2026 season.

Xerri’s request has blindsided the Bulldogs, but it is understood they won’t stand in the outside back’s way.

The 25-year-old was moved from left centre to right centre this season but it isn’t known if that’s the reason for the decision.

Xerri was one of the Bulldogs’ best in Las Vegas, running for 144 metres and making 24 tackles.

The Buldogs are currently on the bye with their next game against the Raiders in Canberra next Thursday.

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MANLY WARHORSE REVEALS UNIQUE CONTRACT DEADLINE

Jake Trbojevic has reportedly agreed to a new deal with Manly for 2027, but will wait and see whether to activate it and play on next season.

AAP reported Trbojevic has signed a contract extension for 2027, but will adopt a wait-and-see approach if he sees out the deal.

Trbojevic just returned from a concussion in Manly’s golden point loss to the Raiders in Round 1 and had three concussions last season.

Off contract at the end of 2026, the former NSW Blues skipper had been expected to extend his Manly deal, before the repeated head knocks left him weighing up early retirement.

However, the 23-year-old has reached an agreement for a one-year extension, while taking a big pay cut in a bid to prolong his career at the club.

Jake Trbojevic has inked an extension.Source: News Corp Australia

However, Trbojevic will wait until Round 10 to activate the contract, while Manly could potentially give him more time to decide whether he wants to play on.

“I just want to see how I go,” Trbojevic told AAP ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle.

“I did a lot of work in the pre-season, and a lot of contact.

“Last year was a bit disappointing with how it all went. Obviously just getting knocked out every second week was disappointing.

“So I want to see how I go and I want it to work for both parties. … I was always going to play this year, so it doesn’t change anything.”

Trbojevic has scored 34 tries in 242 games for Manly since his debut in 2013 and has played 19 Origins for the Blues and 13 Tests for the Kangaroos.

WARRIORS SET TO LOSE ANOTHER FORWARD

Days after it was confirmed that Mitch Barnett will be making the move to the Broncos next season, the New Zealand Warriors are set to lose another forward.

According to Barry Toohey from The Newcastle Herald, the Newcastle Knights “are very keen” to land Marata Niukore and are closing in on a deal with him for the 2027 season.

Code Sports understands that the Warriors are resigned to losing the versatile forward who they handed a $2.5 million contract in 2023.

Off-contract at the end of 2026 along with seven other teammates, Niukore has featured in 157 matches in the NRL, with 61 of those coming with his current club.

The other 96 games come during his time with the Parramatta Eels between 2018 to 2022, which included playing in a grand final against the Penrith Panthers.

He has also played multiple internationals for both the Cook Islands and New Zealand Kiwis over the years.

“It’s always tough on recruitment, it’s always speculation, and there’s always interest,” Knights coach Justin Holbrook said.

“But I don’t want to comment on that. “I’m obviously part of the process, but until things get confirmed or locked in, I’d rather not speculate on anything.”