Demoted Canterbury Bulldogs star Bronson Xerri scores after being dumped to reserve grade
No one at Canterbury was enamored with Bronson’s Xerri’s initial reaction to being dropped. His second game was much better.
Playing at left centre, atoning for his sulk after being moved to right center in the top grade, Xerri took his first touch in the NSW Cup on Saturday afternoon. It was one of several impressive appearances in front of a small crowd at the Raiders Belconnen, including Bulldogs chairman Phil Gould, who came especially for the occasion.
Xerri scored the goal in the 10th minute in front of the hill where there were seven spectators. This was a far cry from the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where Xerri played in blue and white this season.
Xerri was highlighting another surprising NRL omission. There was no room for Kiwi international Matt Timoko in Ricky Stuart’s top-flight Raiders side, leaving two top-quality quarters remaining. The Bulldogs had the little better, thanks largely to the amount of early possession their side had in a side ably guided by Canterbury halfback Sean O’Sullivan.
On several occasions Xerri made a pass that missed the target, resulting in a turnover. But at this level, even after an injury-plagued offseason, he was clearly a class above.
Put aside, Xerri made a handful of sharp runs, but there were times when he struggled to get into the game.
Of greater concern for Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo will be the low-effort areas that will determine when he returns to first grade. This was a solid performance, but Enari Tuala may find himself harsh if he is substituted after holding his own against better opposition on Thursday night.
Xerri if he needs some inspiration I have to check out Bailey Simonsson. Simonsson’s time at Parramatta appeared to have come to an end after a disagreement with the coach, a blowout that saw Dylan Brown preferred over him at center.
But Simonsson showed great maturity in admitting that the problem came from looking in the mirror and he is now part of the Eels’ world-class backline.
Being abandoned and portrayed as a puppet spitter is a sobering experience. But Xerri has bounced back from much bigger setbacks than that.
