Phil Gould admits Bronson Xerri 'struggling for confidence' after reports of impending release request

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has set the record straight over the drama around Bronson Xerri, admitting the centre is "struggling for confidence" after a challenging season last year.

9News Sydney's Danny Weidler revealed on social media that Xerri was told he'd be dropped to NSW Cup for his form after reports he was set to request a release from the club.

News Corp wrote on Saturday afternoon that Xerri wants out of his deal that has two years remaining. The report claimed the Bulldogs told him he would not be offered a deal beyond 2027, along with unhappiness over being moved to right centre.

READ MORE: Why Freddy believes 'amazing' Teddy is Origin worthy

READ MORE: Multiple F1 races cancelled amid ongoing Middle East crisis

READ MORE: WADA plotting to ban Trump, US government officials from LA Olympics

Gould spoke on Nine's Sunday afternoon NRL coverage and admitted Xerri's sacrifices last year had led to a disrupted off-season.

"Bronson had a year last year where he did a great service for the club, he played with a lot of injuries all year. A year where he put the club and the team before himself on a lot of occasions and it's restricted his training and his off-season and right at the moment he's just struggling for a bit of confidence," he said.

"We're there to coach that and make sure it's right. He's in good spirits, he trained this morning and I'm looking forward to his game next weekend."

After the initial News Corp story broke, Gould was inundated with questions on X from Bulldogs fans and responded on social media.

"This is what I know … just spoke with Bronson and his manager," he wrote on X.

"Neither Bronson Xerri nor his manager has asked for a release. Neither Bronson nor his manager has spoken to the media. Neither can explain where the media stories have started.

"Bronson and I will be having breakfast together tomorrow before training. Bronson will be training with the NRL squad tomorrow as per usual … not sure what else I can tell you."

There was also reports Panthers centre Izack Tago could be offered as part of a swap deal with the Bulldogs.

Gould denied that too.

"Of course not ... zero," he wrote on X when asked if there was any truth to the rumour.

On 2GB's Continuous Call Team, Neil Breen reiterated the report that Xerri was unhappy about being moved to right centre and being dropped and had been told he was free to leave if he can find a better deal for 2027 and beyond.

Former Bulldog Darryl Brohman said Xerri needs to "toughen up".

"I mean seriously, we've all been dropped at some stage," he said.

"If he's worried about playing on the right side, play better. If they've dropped him for the weekend coming up, so be it, get out there, grit your teeth and have a crack ... the Bulldogs gave him a lifeline, I just find it remarkable."

Xerri's acting agent George Christodoulou told The Sydney Morning Herald no release request had been made and encouraged his client to "put his best foot forward".

"It's not the right option to be trying to find an exit. As it is now, he'll just be playing on and trying to find his way back into first grade," he said.

Xerri's usual manager, Matthew Desira, is currently suspended.

Xerri played for the Bulldogs in Las Vegas and was on a strong right side where Lachlan Galvin and Jacob Preston linked up successfully.

The 25-year-old made his Bulldogs debut in 2024 after signing a two-year deal following his four-year drug suspension.

Xerri committed to the club until the end of 2027 when he re-signed in November 2024.

Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

On Saturday's version of 2GB's Continuous Call Team, Mark Geyer described the news as "astonishing". Geyer's comments came before Gould's post on X.

"I did not see that coming, he's one of the success stories of the last few years," he said.

Geyer suggested "there has to be more to it" and added if Xerri was picked in Origin at right centre he'd play.