Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has voiced his disappointment in axed outside back Bronson Xerri following reports the Canterbury speedster would seek an immediate release from the club.

Xerri, 25, has been on shaky grounds with the Bulldogs after reports surfaced he would seek a release from the last two years of his contract amid rumours he was set to be dropped for Thursday’s clash against Canberra.

Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Those fears became reality on Tuesday as Xerri was banished to NSW Cup in favour of Enari Tuala.

Ciraldo gave a blunt assessment of Xerri’s situation on Wednesday, stating “a number of other factors around training and preparation” had been the catalyst for his demotion to reserve grade.

Reports emerged Xerri would seek a release from the Bulldogs. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

MORE NRL NEWS

‘MIRROR EFFECT’: Alpha bus move to act of loyalty: Inside hidden genius of Wayne

‘LINE IN SAND’: Roster overhaul and ‘reality check’ behind Benji’s Tigers moment

‘WANT HIM GONE’: Seibold is ‘walking the plank’. This could force Manly’s hand

Xerri’s discontent with the club is reportedly over him being moved from left to right centre during the pre-season.

While Ciraldo described the reaction from Xerri as “disappointing”, he also offered a blueprint for the under fire centre to break back into first grade.

“There’s plenty of people in the NRL who have reactions that they regret, and probably feel like they could have reacted better,” he said.

Cameron Ciraldo has spoken on Bronson Xerri.Source: FOX SPORTS

“That happens nearly every day in an NRL club, and Bronson might have had one of those moments – unfortunately for him though, his reaction was leaked to the media.”

Ciraldo drew comparison’s to former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton, who was dropped from the side last year in favour of controversial recruit Lachlan Galvin, as an example of someone that maintained a positive attitude despite a forced stint in NSW Cup.

Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

Who’s at fault for Xerri-Dogs drama? | 10:26

“I don’t want to go back too much to last year, but he was a great example of dealing with disappointment and getting on with your job,” Ciraldo said.

“Your first response sometimes you can’t control, but your second response you can.”

“Bronson Xerri at his best will force his way back into our team somewhere, but the ball’s totally in his court.”

News of Xerri’s potential departure has triggered a wave of interest from rival clubs, notably the Wests Tigers due to him sharing a manager with head coach Benji Marshall.

Michael Maguire Face-to-Face Special | 27:17

Xerri’s fractured relationship with the Bulldogs comes as a surprise when the club handed him an NRL lifeline following a four year doping ban in 2024.

The Bulldogs will be looking to back up following their thrilling golden point win over the Dragons in Las Vegas with a strong display in the nation’s capital on Thursday.

The Raiders and Bulldogs played out one of the games of the season last year in round 10, when Ciraldo’s men scored 32 unanswered points in a stunning comeback victory after trailing by 20 at halftime.