‘Toys out of the cot’: ‘Embarrassing’ Dogs star slammed for recent actions amid axing

Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has been slammed for his recent actions following reports he agitated for an early release.

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Xerri’s discontent with the club is reportedly over him being moved from left to right centre during the pre-season but when he learned he’d be dropped to reserve grade, he planned on seeking a release before smoothing things over somewhat in remediation talks with general manager Phil Gould.

Xerri’s coach Cameron Ciraldo called the reaction “disappointing” and said the outside back would probably have liked “to reacted better”.

The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel was much harsher, labelling Xerri’s actions as “embarrassing”.

“His actions have been embarrassing to me. I mean, how ungrateful is he?” Badel said on NRL360.

“This is a guy who was a drug cheat, let’s face it. He was banned by the game and thrown a lifeline by the Bulldogs and not on meagre money mind you … he signed a $500,000 deal.

“He gets asked to change position and he throws his toys out of the cot. Like how ungrateful can you be?

Bursting onto the scene as a teenager for Cronulla back in 2019, Xerri copped a four-year ban the following year for breaching the NRL’s doping policy.

After serving his suspension, he joined the Dogs in 2024 and has played 44 games for the club.

NRL360 host Braith Anasta pointed to Xerri’s history as a reason for wanting to give the 25-year-old a little bit of grace.

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“I want to stick up him for a little bit. He’s been through a lot and he’s come back form it,” Anasta said.

“He probably thought he was safe in that team and doing a good enough job on that left hand side … He’s probably thinking I’ve worked hard and solidified my spot and then the change has thrown him off.

“I’d play anywhere for the team. I don’t agree with his actions but I’m just saying I do feel for him a little bit.”

With several clubs reportedly linked to Xerri, the expectation is that he won’t finish the season with the Dogs despite being contracted until the end of next year.

“Is he going to leave? If he’s not happy and their not happy, why not both parties just get it over quick and the Bulldogs can move on,” Anasta said.

“I don’t think it’s a certainty he’ll be gone by June 30 but he’s an out and out NRL player so a club will come for him but my gut is that he won’t be there by June 30,” The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis added with Badel sure Xerri is all but gone.

“Say sayonara to him now,” Badel said.

“This shows to me that his constitution does not marry up with Cameron Ciraldo’s constitution and the culture he wants to set for that club and that’s where he should be commended Cameron Ciraldo.”