'Blown up the GPS': Cameron Ciraldo praises Xerri replacement after disgruntled star's axing
Bronson Xerri's return to the NRL is all the more questionable following the Bulldogs' hard-fought 14-10 win over the Raiders on Thursday night.
Xerri's axing from the team was a major talking point in the lead up to the match, and judging by comments made by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo post-match - the centre could be waiting in the wings for a while.
His replacement Enari Tuala was remarkable in defence and his high work rate was a contrast to what has been said about Xerri since he was dropped.
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Tuala was less impactful with the ball, running for 73 metres, the least of any player in either team's backline. Yet he showed a willingness in defence, making 23 tackles, which was nine more than any other back on either team.
Ciraldo spoke glowingly of Tuala's work rate after touching on Connor Tracey's try-saver late in the game, which the replacement centre assisted.
A replay of Enari Tuala's try-saver is shown while he's interviewed by Nine's Danika Mason after the Bulldogs' round three win over the Raiders. Nine
"He was involved in that try save," Ciraldo said.
"The sports scientist came up at half-time and said (Tuala's) basically blown up the GPS," the coach added.
"He was working that hard. I think that's a credit to him for how he's worked when he hasn't been playing. He missed out on that 'Vegas game."
Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton was also asked about the distraction surrounding Xerri's place in the team.
"It's always been process driven with us regardless of what's happening in the media, the outside noise," he said.
"We've always had that mentality of team first at the club even before we were there. Everyone knows where that stands."
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Raiders player Simi Sasagi poses with Bulldogs centre Enari Tuala after their round three clash. NRL Images
Xerri's place at the Bulldogs is being watched closely by several rivals looking to swoop.
It's been reported that the Eels, Dragons and Sea Eagles could be interested in having the centre join their roster.
The Tigers have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot, but the joint venture's coach Benji Marshall shut down any chance of that on Thursday, in addition to a possible move for Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater.
"I didn't really want to get into it and I don't talk about recruitment publicly," Marshall said on Thursday.
"I like Bronson and he's a really good kid, really good footy player but we're not looking at him.
"I like Drinkwater, really good player but we've got a fullback and we're not looking at Drinkwater either.
"What baffles me is we get thrown into these things and become a part of the story that's not our story, so let's just stop it there."
Marshall made it clear the Tigers are happy with their current centre combination of teen prodigy Heamasi Makasini and Taylan May, although the latter will miss up to six weeks with a shoulder injury.
While Melbourne are in the market for an outside back, The Sydney Morning Herald reports the club had not discussed Xerri.
It's said the Storm's preference is to sign a goalkicking back, with the club's current kicker Nick Meaney to join Perth next season.
