Bronson Xerri Says “I Didn’t Really Give It My All” at the Bulldogs as He Starts at the Storm
Bronson Xerri has admitted he let himself down in his last season at Canterbury, speaking at his first press conference as a Melbourne Storm player on Friday.
“It was disappointing for myself, I didn’t really give it my all and obviously it showed,” Xerri said. “I think this is why this move was so important to me and I am truly grateful to Melbourne Storm.”
Out of his comfort zone
The 26-year-old has signed for three seasons after a difficult 2026 at Belmore, where he disagreed with coach Cameron Ciraldo over where he played, Fox Sports reported. He was contracted at the Bulldogs until the end of 2027.
“I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Obviously Melbourne Storm is the best club in the NRL and I feel like to be the best version of myself I needed to come make this move,” he said. “I haven’t looked back since.”
Back on the tools
Storm recruits spend time working on building sites before the real pre-season starts. Xerri knows that life. He worked outside football while serving a four-year ban for performance-enhancing drug use from the 2020 season, and Canterbury gave him his way back in 2024.
“I had to experience it in the four year suspension that I had,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for myself to get back on the tools and be grateful for what we have got here.”
Never won at AAMI Park
He is looking forward to playing at home. “I don’t think I have ever won here as an away player,” Xerri said. “It is an exciting time to come as a Melbourne Storm player now and experience an actual home game here.”
He said he would play wherever Craig Bellamy wants him. Melbourne’s backline could look different by 2028: Harry Grant has turned down his option and the Titans have joined the race for him. Canterbury are also reshaping their spine, with Matt Burton weighing a Perth Bears offer.
