NRL: Bronson Xerri’s return date officially confirmed

Bronson Xerri has been given a concrete date for his return to footy training with the Bulldogs, and it comes two months before his suspension officially ends,

Xerri, 22, was hit with a four-year ban by Sports Integrity Australia and the NRL after testing positive for a cocktail of drugs after bursting onto the scene as an exciting centre with the Sharks.

The footy star agreed to join Canterbury at the conclusion of his suspension and will play for them in the 2024 and 2025 season.

And according to The Australian, Xerri will be allowed to return to training with Cameron Ciraldo’s side on September 24 – two months before his ban officially ends. 

In an interview earlier this year, Xerri revealed that he has not been keeping a close eye on footy during his lengthy hiatus and insisted he should not be judged for ‘one mistake’.

The former Sharks star burst onto the scene but was busted for taking drugs

He has been sidelined for four years but will make his return in 2024 with Canterbury

‘I’m going to come back and prove everyone wrong,’ he said. ‘My journey has been an up-and-down roller coaster. ‘I would love to come back and make every rep team possible. I want to win a premiership.’ 

‘No one knows how hard I worked to get where I was. If they want to label me a drug cheat because of one mistake I made when I was 19 then so be it. I am ready to shut them all up when I’m back.

‘The key is to accept it and move on. The first two years were very tough. I’ve accepted it. I took full ownership of it and I am ready to move on with my life and career.’

More to follow.