A weekly thread to go through the weekend’s game once the dust has settled.
Key Areas:
Keep it about the Storm. No hot takes from match thread energy, this is the review.
Are we about to have another mass exodus at the end of 26? Players leaving include,
*Brick
*Meaney
*Wishart
*Moale
*Tui
*Vaalepu (gone)
And then there's the rumours and the not sure yets,
*Seve (I don't see us offering him an extension)
*Blore (reportedly heading back to Sydney - Tigers or Dragons)
*Eli??
*Howarth - Rumour
*Chan - Rumour
*Hetherington - Still without a contract
Oryn Keeley and Bronson Xerri are welcome signings, but we're potentially going to have a lot of space in the cap.
Some of these players are no loss but daunting andexciting times ahead for the club, Slater era? He'll attract a lot good players no doubt.
Storm have the week off, but the footy doesn’t stop.
Use this thread for anything across the round:
If it’s happening this weekend, it belongs here.
This thread acts as the main discussion hub during the bye, so keep all round-related chat in here rather than posting separately.
The Monday Review Thread will go up as usual.
Pick your best 13 to secure the all important two points this round.
Surely Slater takes over next year? (Fingers crossed)
Fantastic news. A much needed big signing.
A weekly thread to go through the weekend’s game once the dust has settled.
Key Areas:
Keep it about the Storm. No hot takes from match thread energy, this is the review.
Bulldogs star Bronson Xerri looks set to walk out on the team, with the centre meeting with rival clubs as his turbulent season continues after another shock demotion.
Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri is expected to move on at the end of the season after being spotted with his manager on a plane after meeting the Storm in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Xerri was seen with his agent Matt Desira on a flight back to Sydney on Tuesday night with his future now well and truly in the spotlight.
Parramatta have also met Xerri as the 25-year-old ponders his next move. It is understood that the Bulldogs will not stand in Xerri’s way should he want out of the club despite being contracted until the end of next season.
Whether Xerri moves before Tuesday’s June 30 deadline remains to be seen but he is now at long odds to remain at Canterbury beyond this year.
Xerri has had a turbulent season with the Bulldogs having started in their round one clash in Las Vegas.
However, he quickly fell out of favour with the Bulldogs coaching staff and was relegated to NSW Cup. He won back his place in first grade after just two reserve grade games.
Xerri returned to Canterbury’s starting side in round six but was omitted from their 17 in their last-start win to Manly.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo has again overlooked Xerri for their clash against the Titans on Friday – he has been named in No.19 jersey.
The Bulldogs have switched Matt Burton from the halves to centre with Enari Tuala preferred to start instead of Xerri.
Canterbury are also closing in on Penrith’s Jesse McLean, who is expected to join the club next year.
Stephen Crichton is still viewed as one of the game’s best centres despite being named to play five-eighth again this week.
Xerri resurrected his NRL career with the Bulldogs in 2024 and was a centrepiece of their backline last year as Canterbury emerged as a premiership threat.
He will have no problem finding a new home given his form since returning to the game. The Eels have made no secret of their desire to strengthen their squad and are yet to land a replacement for Zac Lomax, who walked out of the club during the off-season.
Melbourne are also making moves in the outside backs after losing Will Warbrick (Warriors) and Nick Meaney (Bears) for next year.
There is also uncertainty over the future of centre Jack Howarth – he is contracted until the end of next season but it is understood the club will listen to any offers should he field a long-term contract from a rival.
The Storm have mitigated some of those losses by signing Dolphins point scoring whiz Jamayne Isaako for 2027.
Drop your predictions and hot takes below.
Can be safe or bold, just back your call.