Luke Keary has described Cameron Ciraldo’s comments on Bronson Xerri as “damning” while declaring something “doesn’t add up” after reports the Bulldogs already told him he would not be extended beyond 2027.
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Xerri was dropped from the Bulldogs’ NRL team ahead of their 14-10 win against Canberra on Thursday night, with Ciraldo admitting at a media opportunity earlier this week that “preparation” was one reason behind the decision to axe the centre.
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Xerri battled a groin complaint in the pre-season and while he lined up for the Bulldogs in the trials and Round 1 clash against the Dragons, Ciraldo said Enari Tuala made the most of his opportunity get extra reps on the right edge in the summer.
The Bulldogs coach also made it clear Xerri’s reaction to the news of his demotion, with reports he was going to request an immediate release, was less than ideal.
“There’s plenty of people in the NRL that have reactions that they regret and probably feel like they could have reacted better, and that happens nearly every day in an NRL club and Bronson might have had one of those moments,” Ciraldo said.
“It was disappointing. We had the bye last week, we were sort of out of the news for a while, and it would’ve been nice to enjoy a weekend without any of this drama. But it is what it is.”
Speaking on ‘The Late Show with Matty Johns’, Keary called Ciraldo’s comments to media “damning” considering the quality of play Xerri had previously offered when on the field.
“He’s given them a different type of attack. He’s obviously got the speed out there,” Keary said.
“I thought he played quite well for them last year, there are obviously a few things there that have gone on over the pre-season and there have been a few attitude things Cam Ciraldo pointed to.
“His press conference the other day was pretty damning.”
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Ciraldo said he was “not totally sure” when asked about reports the club had told Xerri already that his contract would not be extended beyond the 2027 season.
“Look, I haven’t been part of every conversation around contracts and with managers and things like that,” Ciraldo said.
“I don’t believe that’s true, but I’m not totally sure, to be honest.”
Matty Johns said he would find that “very strange” if true considering there is every chance Xerri could go on to establish himself as one of the best centres in the game by that point, and Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh had a very similar opinion on the matter.
“He’s still a classy centre. A lot of clubs would be chasing him,” Hindmarsh said.
“They’ve got a good side this year, the Dogs, they’re a lot more settled. Someone like Bronson Xerri can take them to a grand final. That’s what I don’t understand. If you’re good enough you should be in the side.”
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Keary only retired from the NRL at the end of the 2024 season, and revealed that from his experience during his playing career you “don’t get told that early” that a club is eventually moving on from you.
“Obviously something has gone on in the background but Cam Ciraldo came out in the press conference the other day and said to his knowledge he hadn’t heard that the extension had been knocked back,” Keary said.
“Gus came out and said he hasn’t spoke to or been spoken to by Bronson’s management.
“There is something going on. That doesn’t add up; the 2027 thing. That doesn’t happen. You don’t get told that early.”