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FWC: FRA v MAR LIVEXerri on the move after early season Bulldogs antics
Sebastian Tan, AAP •  July 10th, 2026 1:32 pm
Bronson Xerri, fending off Melbourne's Joe Chan here, will join the Storm next season | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Bronson Xerri's troubled tenure at Canterbury is coming to an end with the star centre signing a three-year contract with Melbourne.
Xerri is set to play with the Storm until the end of the 2029 campaign, ending any hopes of the 25-year-old joining either the PNG Chiefs or Perth Bears inaugural rosters.
It comes after rumours swirled Melbourne, along with Parramatta, were looking to poach Xerri before June 30 after he was allowed to explore his options despite being contracted at the Bulldogs for 2027.
Xerri had a tumultuous start in his third season back from his four-year doping ban as he was dropped from the starting NRL side after Canterbury's Las Vegas opener before resuming his centre role in round six.
During that time reports emerged Xerri was unhappy at the club prompting the team to wear "we before me" emblazoned on the front of their shirts.
The media circus also drew criticism from Bulldogs great Josh Morris, who reminded the centre Canterbury had given him a lifeline after his ban.
But the signing is a big win for Melbourne as they are short on quality outside backs with Will Warbrick inking a deal with the Warriors for next year, while Nick Meaney is set to go to the Bears.
Melbourne Storm director of football is delighted to land Bronson Xerri's signature | Photo: AAP
The 76-gamer will remain with the Bulldogs for the rest of the 2026 season before linking up with the Storm for the commencement of pre-season training.
Director of Football Frank Ponissi said Melbourne were delighted to win Xerri's signature.
"He's a tough, competitive player with great speed and athleticism who we believe will be an important addition to our outside backs heading into the next three years," Ponissi said.
"We look forward to welcoming Bronson and his family to Melbourne ahead of the 2027 season."
The Storm are focusing on their clash against Gold Coast on Sunday where they are looking to pick up a valuable win to boost their chances of making the top eight.
