Sharks young gun Bronson Xerri’s swift impact sparks wide acclaim

All threat but with little room to run during his first two NRL matches, Sharks young gun Bronson Xerri finally broke into full flight on Thursday night.

Bronson Xerri breaks away to score a try for the Sharks. Picture: AAP

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The scorching 70m try that set the NRL alight could lead to the positional change that unleashes rugby league’s ­latest sensation.

Sharks coach John Morris revealed he is considering switching Bronson Xerri from centre to the wing after the teenage tearaway laid claim to being the NRL’s fastest man with a sizzling sideline sprint.

All threat but with little room to run during his first two NRL matches, Xerri finally broke into full flight on Thursday night.

The break — and the try that paved the way for the Sharks’ come-from-behind 24-20 win over the Panthers — came when Xerri found himself on the flank as winger Josh Dugan went infield to put the 18-year-old away.

Morris is now looking to set the flyer free.

“That is certainly an option there with Bronson playing winger and Dugan playing centre,’’ Morris said.

“Both him and Dugan are outside backs and can play either position. They both have the skills and there might be a time when they swap.’’

Bronson Xerri has laid claim to being the NRL’s fastest man with a sizzling sideline sprint.

Morris admitted he considered switching Xerri to the wing before the Panthers clash.

“We couldn’t get him the ball in the centres on his debut,’’ Morris said.

“It was all carries from dummy-half and play one. We needed to get him the early ball.

“But I didn’t want to unsettle him on the back of his game last week because he had an unhappy game with his handling.

“He split them a few times but just couldn’t finish the breaks off. I just wanted him to have another game there (in the centres). That is where he has played his footy and he has played on the left and the right so we also have the ­option to flip him.

Bronson Xerri breaks away to score a try for the Sharks. Picture: AAP

“But watching the way he and Dugan combined tonight was really good for us. They showed in the game what they can do when they get that clean ball.

“We will have a look at how it all works during the week.’’

The prospect of watching Xerri return the ball from the back will excite every NRL fan after the Cronulla junior stood up Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to show his true speed.

But Morris said the make-up of his back three would not be settled until injured No.1 Matt Moylan makes his return.

“That has made it difficult,’’ Morris said.

“To be honest it has rattled us a little bit because our spine hasn’t been settled. I am not saying Bronson will play on the wing but it is in option down the track.’’

Originally published as Sharks young gun Bronson Xerri’s swift impact sparks wide acclaim