New South Wales Rugby League

Bronson Xerri faces scrutiny after being dropped from Canterbury Bulldogs, with rumored release requests and interest from other clubs.

Zero Tackle

Bronson Xerri's name has lived in the headlines in recent days following his axing and apparent release request from the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Dropped from Canterbury's 22-man squad for their Round 3 clash with the Canberra Raiders, the star centre has had everything from being unhappy with a switch of sides, to unhappy with a demotion to the NSW Cup levelled against him.

The Bulldogs, through ever talkative director of football Phil Gould, have claimed Xerri hasn't asked for a release, but where there is smoke, there is generally fire.

It's understood plenty of clubs have already made inquiries with his management. It's not every day that a centre of his calibre comes up as a potential to leave their current club, if not immediately, then certainly at the end of the season.

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Canberra Raiders will debut Jayden Brailey in Round 1, sidelining Owen Pattie to reserve grade.

Zero Tackle

Canberra Raiders will opt for a more experienced spine combination in Round 1, with head coach Ricky Stuart revealing that Jayden Brailey will make his club debut for the nations captial.

As a result, it looks like rising star Owen Pattie will miss out on the 19-man entirely, starting the year in reserve grade. 

Pattie played in every game last year from Las Vegas to their finals campaign, and will have to apply his trade further in NSW Cup before getting his shot again. 

When Tom Starling was re-signed last year, there were question marks surrounding how the three hookers were going to fit into the Raiders run-on side, and now there is some clarity around the decision.

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