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Bronson Xerri caps comeback year with new Bulldogs deal
Jasper Bruce, AAP • November 29th, 2024 10:07 am
Bronson Xerri (l) has signed a new deal with Canterbury keeping him at the Bulldogs until 2027.
Bronson Xerri has re-signed with Canterbury to cap an excellent first year back from his doping ban.
The centre had indicated in August he hoped to remain at the Bulldogs in the long-term and the club announced on Thursday he would be staying put until the end of 2027.
Xerri began the season as an unknown quantity, having served a four-year ban for testing positive to anabolic steroids while playing for Cronulla in 2020.
He finished it as a first-choice centre alongside captain Stephen Crichton, overcoming plenty of competition for opportunities in a deep Bulldogs backline.
The 24-year-old scored 10 tries in 19 games as the Bulldogs made finals for the first time since 2016, with much of their success down to their strong attack on the edges.
"Bronson has quickly solidified himself as a key member of our squad moving forward," said Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould.
"Ever since he stepped foot into our club's doors he has shown great maturity and commitment to the Bulldog jersey.
"He still has plenty of rugby league ahead of him and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him in our colours."
Xerri is the first Bulldogs player to re-sign after coming into the final year of his contract on November 1.
The club now turn their attention to a long list of other off-contract stars headlined by halfback Toby Sexton, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2024.
Forward Kurtis Morrin, a favourite of coach Cameron Ciraldo's, and utility Kurt Mann are also likely to be priorities.
The club is also poised to make big decisions on the future of off-contract pair Drew Hutchison and Ryan Sutton.
Hutchison began 2024 as first-choice halfback before sliding down the pecking order and into reserve grade, while Sutton's two years at the Bulldogs have been hampered by a horrendous run of injuries.
