‘I want that to be the talking point, not my past’: Timely stat that links Bronson Xerri’s ban and his long wait to return to NRL finals

Bronson Xerri’s return to rugby league has been one of the best redemption stories of the year, but he hopes a successful finals campaign can close the book on his past and lead to media conferences where no one asks about his drug ban.

As has been the case all season, Xerri was peppered with questions at Canterbury’s media call about his four-year ban for a failed test that brought one of the most promising careers to a grinding halt.

Xerri has spoken openly about the emotional toll that took as the gifted Sharks rookie had to stop and start again, with the Bulldogs throwing him a lifeline that will likely lead to a contract extension at the end of the finals.

Having just turned 24, Xerri has enjoyed a stellar season at left centre where he’s scored 10 tries from 18 appearances and is now preparing for his second finals match and hopefully no more questions about his ban.

“I am looking forward to it, I’m not going to lie,” he said.

“I knew coming in it was always going to be a talking point for myself, but I would like to get on with my life and get on with my career so that can go past me and it not to be the talking point.

“I want my football to be the talking point and hopefully the success of this club. I want that to be the talking point, not my past.”

While a lot has changed since then, some things feel strangely similar with Xerri’s last game before the suspension doubling up as his first finals appearance as a fresh-faced 19-year-old against Manly.

The speedster scored a try in the loss but is hoping for a very different result when the Bulldogs take on the Sea Eagles on Sunday almost five years to the day after his last finals game.

“Obviously, there is a lot of change in myself as a person,” he said.

“Five years ago my first semi-final was against Manly at Brookvale. This time around it will be at home and with a big crowd. It’s going to be one to remember, hopefully we get the win and go all the way.

“It was my rookie year, and I had just turned 19. Going to Brookvale and playing Manly wasn’t easy. We didn’t get the win at the time, but that is past me now. I’m confident in the boys to get the win on Sunday.”

Xerri’s journey back to the NRL finals hasn’t been an easy one with the centre questioning whether he still wanted to play the sport while he was out.

He didn’t watch any of the finals series last year and was asked point blank by coach Cameron Ciraldo in the pre-season if he really wanted it after he was too gassed to even speak after a training session that he couldn’t finish.

But it all seems worth it now, with Xerri and the Bulldogs ready to end their finals exodus.

“When I look back at what I’ve been through, obviously it’s been a hell of a journey. I have always said I am forever grateful to this club for the opportunity,” he said.

“I am so happy with the way we’re playing and how far we’ve come as a club and a team. The sky is the limit for us.

“As much as I like to put it all behind me, there are times when I think back. It’s more of a gratitude thing and coming into training every day with a smile on my face and just being grateful for where I am and how far I have come.

“When things get tough on the field or at training, it’s something to look back on and know there have been worse times and harder times.”