'Suck it up': Bulldogs great delivers reality check for Bronson Xerri as 'attitude' problems raised

Willie Mason claims "attitude and mindset" were behind Canterbury's decision to drop Willie Mason just one game into the season.

Xerri's name has become the biggest talking point in the NRL over the past few days, with his demotion to NSW Cup leading to reports of an early exit from Belmore.

The 25-year-old is signed with the Bulldogs until the end of next year and looks set to stay put for now, despite suggestions he was seeking an early release.

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The crux of the issue reportedly stems from Cameron Ciraldo's call to move Xerri from the left side of the field to the right, swapping him with Stephen Crichton.

While it's commonplace for modern-day players to have a preferred side of the field, Mason - who won the Clive Churchill Medal in Canterbury's last grand final win in 2004 - urged Xerri to "suck it up" and become a "team-first" player.

"I had a chat to a couple of people - it is what it is," he said.

"It's not that big a deal from me talking to some people, they're not happy with a bit of attitude and mindset, playing and training … you don't just get dropped for nothing.

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"They have been building a club-first, team-first mentality, any position, anywhere.

"If [former Bulldogs centre] Willie Tonga had to go from left to right, it ain't a big deal. If I had to play on the right side and then left back-row and then back in the front-row, I don't give a f---, because I want to win and I want to play.

"He's upset at the positional change and in my head, you've just got to suck it up and get better and just be team-first and play better football."

Mason echoed the line from Bulldogs boss Phil Gould that there had been no official release request from Xerri or his management and is happy to see him dig in.

"He's unsettled, but I don't think he has asked for a release and all that sort of stuff. I'm just giving you some context about why and how he's getting dropped," he continued.

"I'm glad he chose that instead of the easy option of going 'I want a release' because what is that saying to other clubs? It's gonna diminish your pay cheque.

"You're in a club building towards a premiership and you're a big part of it."

The comments from Mason come after Josh Morris questioned the "resilience" of Xerri, especially after the way his rugby league journey has played out.

Xerri spent four years out of the game after testing positive for banned substances and was given a lifeline by the Dogs to return in 2024.

He has since gone on to score 19 tries in 44 first grade games for the club.

Enari Tuala will take Xerri's spot at right centre for the round three clash with Canberra.