Xerri was dropped from the Bulldogs\u2019 NRL team ahead of their 14-10 win against Canberra<\/a> on Thursday night, with Ciraldo admitting at a media opportunity earlier this week<\/a> that \u201cpreparation\u201d was one reason behind the decision to axe the centre.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The Bulldogs coach also made it clear Xerri\u2019s reaction to the news of his demotion, with reports he was going to request an immediate release<\/a>, was less than ideal.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s 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,\u201d Ciraldo said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was disappointing. We had the bye last week, we were sort of out of the news for a while, and it would\u2019ve been nice to enjoy a weekend without any of this drama. But it is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking on \u2018The Late Show with Matty Johns\u2019, Keary called Ciraldo\u2019s comments to media \u201cdamning\u201d considering the quality of play Xerri had previously offered when on the field.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s given them a different type of attack. He\u2019s obviously got the speed out there,\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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. <\/p>\n \u201cHis press conference the other day was pretty damning.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n ‘Embarrassing’ Badel tees off on Xerri | 05:03<\/p>\n Ciraldo said he was \u201cnot totally sure\u201d when asked about reports the club had told Xerri already that his contract would not be extended beyond the 2027 season.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, I haven\u2019t been part of every conversation around contracts and with managers and things like that,\u201d Ciraldo said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe that\u2019s true, but I\u2019m not totally sure, to be honest.\u201d<\/p>\n Matty Johns said he would find that \u201cvery strange\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still a classy centre. A lot of clubs would be chasing him,\u201d Hindmarsh said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve got a good side this year, the Dogs, they\u2019re a lot more settled. Someone like Bronson Xerri can take them to a grand final. That\u2019s what I don\u2019t understand. If you\u2019re good enough you should be in the side.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018GLASS ALL OVER US\u2019: Ricky vents over \u2018s***house stadium\u2019 after freak injury<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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