Bronson Xerri traced his difficult 2026 season to an osteitis pubis injury he sustained in 2025 and played through.
After resting completely in the off-season, he entered pre-season short of fitness. "I had no preparation going into the 2026 pre-season… and that's what sets you up for a good year, I was so underdone," he explained.
A shift to the right side under Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo also unsettled him. Xerri said he was more comfortable carrying the ball on the left and began doubting himself as his training suffered.
He asked Ciraldo to try him on the left, but the coach wanted Stephen Crichton there and Xerri on the right. Crichton later moved into the Bulldogs halves.
Xerri spent much of the season on the bench or in reserve grade before receiving an early release to leave for 2027. He said he had no regrets, calling the outcome a blessing that created his Melbourne opportunity.
The 26-year-old will join the Storm next month on a three-year deal, after choosing Melbourne over Parramatta. "No one's ever gone backwards at Melbourne," Xerri said.
He added, "To play under Bellamy and to play with those boys in that team, you can't go backwards."
On the Unscripted podcast with Josh Mansour, Xerri said moving meant leaving family and friends in Sydney and living alone for the first time. He described the change as the fresh start he needed.
Though nervous about meeting Craig Bellamy one-on-one, Xerri said the coach was genuine and the conversation left him confident.
"This has to be the best year of my career," he declared, saying he wants to play State of Origin and for Australia, and win accolades.