Cameron Ciraldo, the Bulldogs' coach, has urged Bronson Xerri to earn his place back in the NRL, expressing disappointment over the centre's response to being sidelined.
This is Ciraldo's first acknowledgment of Xerri's dissatisfaction since it became public, and he refrained from assuring that the 25-year-old would complete his remaining two seasons with the club.
During a candid media briefing, Bulldogs players prepared to depart for Canberra, proudly wearing T-shirts that read "we before me."
On Saturday morning, Xerri learned he would not participate in the upcoming match against the Raiders, a decision made after shifting him from left to right centre earlier this preseason.
Shortly thereafter, reports surfaced indicating Xerri's discontent, hinting he might pursue a contract release.
This weekend, he is set to compete for the Bulldogs' NSW Cup team against the Raiders in Canberra.
"There's plenty of people in the NRL that have reactions that they regret and probably feel like they could have reacted better," commented Ciraldo.
"That happens nearly every day in an NRL club. Bronson might have [had] one of those moments."
Ciraldo emphasized the necessity for Xerri to demonstrate progress before he is reconsidered for a return to the NRL.