NRL 2024: Bulldogs signing Bronson Xerri returns to training after four-year doping ban

Four years ago Bronson Xerri blew a multimillion-dollar deal with the Sharks after returning a positive test to a cocktail of steroids. Today, the Bulldogs signing is free to return to training.

Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri has heralded the end of his ban for drug abuse by thanking the Bulldogs for a second chance and vowing to keep his head down.

Xerri was one of the game’s rising stars when he was rubbed out after returning a positive test to a cocktail of steroids, costing him a multimillion-dollar deal with the Sharks.

He was handed a lifeline by the Bulldogs earlier this year and has been counting down the days until his return. While his ban doesn’t technically end until November, under the WADA guidelines he is free to return to training in the team facility two months before the official date.

Bronson Xerri can officially return to training. Picture: John Grainger

That day has now arrived, although the Bulldogs are on holidays so he will be forced to be patient to join up with his teammates.

“Today marks the day my (four) year suspension comes to an end,” Xerri wrote on social media.

“It definitely hasn’t been easy, a lot of dark days and regret but life is what you make of it.

“I’ve been taught that If you get knocked down you get up and keep going... and that’s exactly what I did.

“Still a few weeks till I start with @nrl_bulldogs I’ll keep my head down and be greatful (sic) for the this second chance.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Bulldogs signing Bronson Xerri returns to training after four-year doping ban