Bronson Xerri puts his hand up for round one selection after strong showing after four year ban

Bronson Xerri has been out for so long that the Canterbury recruit is still learning some of the NRL’s new rules, but he showed you can teach a new Bulldog new tricks with a strong showing in their 24-12 win over the Storm at Belmore.

This was his first competitive game since he tested positive to a banned substance in November of 2019 which ultimately saw him banned for four years just one season into his NRL career.

Xerri scored 13 tries from 22 games for the Sharks but had his career put on hold for a decision that cost him dearly.

But he’s been given a second chance by the Bulldogs, and Xerri is desperate to make the most of it, with the new recruit scoring a try and setting one up on a night he got through plenty of work in a solid 65-minute stint.

“I did the hard yards in those four years so it was good to run out and get amongst it. I enjoyed it,” he said.

“The hardest part was getting the rust out. I definitely felt a bit rusty, but I just wanted to get through the game and get some time under my belt. I think the team played well so it’s only up from here.”

Xerri didn’t have to do much for his second-half try, but getting over the line was a major milestone for a young man who is making up for lost time and felt more nervous on Thursday than he did when he made his NRL debut.

“I think all the dark times in those four years came back to me (when I scored). It was unreal,” he said.

“There were a lot of nerves and I was very emotional running out there and seeing my family. As hard as it was and as rusty as I was, I enjoyed it and loved it.

“That was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I think the team and the coaching staff prepared me as best as I could to come out and play my best. I always knew there would be a bit of rust, but I’m just happy I got through tonight.

“I think if anyone hadn’t played for four years then they would have come out with some nerves and a bit of rust. I’m proud of myself for getting through tonight. I knew it was going to be hard, but I’m proud of myself.”

The 23-year-old is locked in a battle for a starting spot in round one but did his chances no harm on the left edge against a depleted Storm side.

His next assignment is a showdown with the Sharks next Friday, but he isn’t worried about running into his former teammates with Xerri more concerned with familiarising himself with new rules like the six again interpretation which wasn’t around the last time he was in the NRL.

“Last year, I only watched the Bulldogs play. I didn’t watch any other club. This is all I do now, it’s my life. I come in and study the game and I’ve got great experienced players in my position and the coaching staff to help me through it,” he said.

“I came in and was asking questions ‘we can’t do this, but we can do that’. It’s crazy, but that’s what pre-season is for. We’ve worked hard and I think we’re in a good position now.”

While he spent four years out of the game, Xerri didn’t lose any of his blistering pace having worked with speed coach Roger Fabri during his suspension.

“I think I’m the same (speed),” he said.

“I’ve also put on five kilos because I was 18 when I was playing in the NRL back then. I was 94 then, and I’m sitting at 99 right now. I’ve definitely still got my speed. I was hoping to show it today, but it’s all good.

“I think my best time over the 100 is 10.80.”