He was one of the breakout stars of last season, but Bronson Xerri won’t be resting on his laurels of 2024. Instead, he is driven more than ever ahead of the Bulldogs’ 90th Anniversary.
Speaking after his newly-minted contract – which extends his stay at Belmore until the end of 2027 – the strike centre had a steely look in his eye when speaking on his future.
Life’s good. I’m proud but not satisfied – I always go by that saying. I know there’s a lot more to me and I’m excited to showcase that.
“Step by step, day by day I’m just trying to better myself every day for the team, and hopefully I can tick off my goals - to win the Premiership, to play Origin and to play for my country.
“From where I’ve come from, it's great being able to have that security in my life now. I’m truly grateful for the Club for having the loyalty in me and I can’t wait for the next couple of years.
“I’ve definitely grown. I feel like the coaching staff here have definitely developed me into a better person both on and off the field. I’ll always be grateful and thankful for the Club for that.”
Bulldogs Members and supporters might not know that the man who nailed down the left centre position in 2024 is home grown. Despite beginning his NRL career at Cronulla, the 24-year-old was always destined to don the famous Blue and White.
Xerri Opens the Scoring
“I started at Aquinas Colts and moved to the Moorebank Rams. I’m a Bulldogs junior for sure,” he said proudly.
“My first rep jersey was for the under 13’s development side at the Bulldogs. It’s very special and I was playing all my grand finals here at Belmore.
“To come back and play at the highest level for the Bulldogs is a surreal feeling.”
With majority of the NRL squad heading into just their second or third season under Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo, Xerri believes that after a groundbreaking 2024, the only way for the Bulldogs in their upcoming campaign is up.
The same commitment, determination, work ethic and connection that saw the side return to the finals for the first time since 2016 is only amplifying with each bead of sweat that drops during the pre-season.
As for who partners him in the vacant wing spot on the left flank, Xerri put his trust in the coaching staff to make the decision – with exciting options including Blake Wilson and new signings Marcelo Montoya and Enari Tuala headlining the list.
“We all just bought into the system that Ciro and the staff have put to us,” he said.
“We believe in each other, we want to work hard for each other and it showed this year. I feel like the sky is the limit for us, we’ll only get better.
“It’s very exciting. I know it’s only week two of the pre-season but the shape we’ve come back in, the way we’re training and the way we’re going to push the limits - I believe we’ll go far.
“I’m putting my best foot forward for the team and I trust in Ciro and the coaching team to make that decision. I know whoever is to step in will do the job, no matter what.
“It’s exciting times for the Club and I cannot wait for the 2025 season.”
