Bulldogs star Bronson Xerri has revealed his desire to play State of Origin, less than a year after returning to rugby league.
The 24-year-old copped a four-year ban while at Cronulla due to a doping violation, but enjoyed a successful comeback campaign with Canterbury this year.
Xerri cemented himself in the starting side and was a real X-factor for the side as they pushed their way into the finals for the first time in more than half a decade.
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The strike centre recently put pen to paper on a fresh two-year contract with the Dogs and is hoping to repay the faith shown by Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould.
“They took a gamble on me and that’s why I’ve got so much respect for the club,” Xerri told 9News Sydney on Thursday night.
Bronson Xerri starred for the Bulldogs in 2024. Getty
“Gus and Ciro are like saviours to me and it makes me want to play for them. When a club that has showed me loyalty, I’m gonna give it back.
“I wouldn’t say I surprised myself, but Ciro was definitely surprised and he’s told me many times. I trained heaps hard for that and I’ve got a lot of belief in myself.”
Coming through the lower grades at the Sharks as a teenager, Xerri was always touted as a future representative player and made his NRL debut at the age of 18.
And while there’s a logjam of centres vying for a spot in the NSW Blues side as it is, Xerri is confident he can force his way into the side in the years to come.
“Definitely – my eyes are set on making my Origin debut,” he said.
“But the first step is Bulldogs.”
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