Xerri turns the page ahead of Shark Park return

Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has opened up on his State of Origin dream as he prepares to return to Sharks Stadium for the first time in six years 

The back was one of the hottest prospects in rugby league and seemed desperate for representative honours after a stunning rookie season with the Sharks in 2019.

Xerri's world came crashing down in the early months of 2020, when he failed a drug test and was stood down. A four-year ban followed and the then-19-year-old had his contract with Cronulla torn up. 

The Bulldogs handed the centre a lifeline and he will play his first game at Sharks Stadium since September 2019 when the two sides face off on Saturday night. 

Xerri expects plenty of emotion when he arrives at the ground but declared that stage of his life is now in the rearview mirror. 

"I'm looking forward to it," Xerri told NRL.com. "It will be my first time back at Shark Park so it should be a big occasion but I'll be ready for it. 

"I don't really look back on [my time at Cronulla]. I just look forward and I'm grateful to be at the club that I am. I have no hard feelings to the [Sharks], it was a mistake of mine. I'm not looking back, I'm just looking forward and blessed to be where I am at this club."

Xerri has made the most of his second chance at Canterbury, developing into one of their most consistent performers since being elevated to the NRL side in Round 5 last season. 

The centre scored 10 tries in 19 games and ran for 145 metres a game in 2024. He has also hit the ground running this year, scoring a crucial try in Sunday's win over the Eels and playing a key role in his side's undefeated start to the season. 

Xerri's impressive form has surprised many and he again resembles the future representative star that first emerged in 2019.

The 24-year-old has worked closely with fellow centre Stephen Crichton throughout the past year and the Bulldogs skipper said it's only a matter of time before his teammate joins him in the NSW team. 

"I believe he can [play for NSW] if he puts his mind and his body to it," Crichton told NRL.com. "I feel like he is doing that and he's taking this very seriously. 

"He's applying all the lessons that he's learned over the last four years being out of the game and he's grateful for the opportunity he's got now. He's taken it with both hands and is moving forward in the right direction."

Xerri isn't shy about his desire to represent the Blues and play on rugby league's biggest stages. 

He's also realistic about the steep path he must climb to get there. Crichton, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell and Bradman Best have all played in the centres for NSW over the past two years and are some of the game's best players. 

Xerri, however, is making the most of his close partnership with Crichton and is determined to glean everything he can off his skipper in his quest to one day represent his state. 

"I'm learning the mindset that he has and it's not just on game day, it's each day at training," Xerri said. "His professionalism on and off the field is what I take the most from him, you truly see what it takes to be the best player so it's good to have him at the club

"Playing for NSW is a goal. I feel like if I'm playing consistent footy for the club then all comes with it. My mind is on being the best I can be for the Bulldogs and whatever comes now comes. If it comes, I'll be ready."