Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo's praise for Bronson Xerri as axed star eyes redemption

A Stephen Crichton injury may have paved the way for Bronson Xerri to return to first grade, but there is still no certainty what the latter's future at the Bulldogs looks like.

Xerri was omitted from the Bulldogs' starting line-up after the first round of the season, with coach Cameron Ciraldo opting in favour of Enari Tuala in the centres.

Despite being recalled from the NSW Cup squad to the bench for Canterbury's Good Friday clash with South Sydney, and Crichton going down injured, Xerri was not used as a substitute for the team.

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The 25-year-old will likely have the next four weeks to prove he is worthy of keeping a spot in first grade as the Bulldogs prepare to adjust to life without their skipper, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Crichton's injury will require a weekly assessment to determine exactly when he will return, but Ciraldo said things were looking good with his recovery so far.

In fact, Ciraldo expects the 25-year-old will be fit to play in the State of Origin opener at Accor Stadium on May 27.

"I think he'll be ready for (Origin)," Ciraldo said.

"But the injury has got to heal. He's been healing pretty well so far."

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While it has been a mixed start to the season for Ciraldo's men, he has been impressed to see how his playing group, especially Xerri, has responded to criticism.

Xerri is not the first player to make headlines for requesting a release after being dropped, but he made the most of his opportunity to resurrect his career.

"It's just the way he has ripped into his training," Ciraldo said when asked what had impressed him about Xerri's return to the team this week.

"He is not the first person to have a poor response and go home and say something; he's just ended up in the paper.

"He has handled himself well since that point. The way he's training, the way he's preparing and the way he's committing himself right now, those are the signs we're looking for."

As for whether his return to the starting line-up means Xerri is going to stay on at the Bulldogs beyond his current deal that expires next season, Ciraldo would not say.

"We don't need to think too far ahead right now," he said.

"He's excited about the opportunity he's got tomorrow night. He's putting all his eggs in the preparation basket and he'll be ready to rip in.

"Some of his best mates are in this team and he loves playing with them.

"He's had a bit of a rocky patch there, which many players go through. But his reaction in the last few weeks has been tremendous."