Before November 1, the Bulldogs are fighting to re-sign tryscoring star Bronson Xerri.
Xerri is under contract with Canterbury until the end of 2025. He made a sensational comeback from a four-year drug ban this season.
But according to NRL regulations, rival teams have the right to sign him for 2026 and beyond if the Dogs don’t extend him by November 1.
Xerri would undoubtedly draw attention throughout the league because the NRL lacks elegant centers with true speed.
Phil Gould, general manager of football for the Dogs, told Wide World of Sports, “Bronson was great for us this year after so long out of the game and should be even better in 2025.”
“We are taking action on his contract and are aware of the circumstances surrounding it.
“He and his manager are in Dubai watching a fight and are back late this week and we will talk then.”
With Cronulla, the 24-year-old center made his NRL debut in 2019 and had an outstanding rookie season, scoring 13 tries in 22 games.
His downfall, however, came when he tested positive for steroids, which he reportedly took to help him heal from a persistent injury.
The Bulldogs took a bit of a risk by bringing Xerri back into the major league this season after he was sidelined for four years.
However, Xerri swiftly made his way into the Dogs’ starting lineup after beginning the season in the NSW Cup.
Rival NRL teams are now vying for his services after he scored an incredible 10 tries in 19 games while displaying speed, strength, and an elegant running style.