Bronson Xerri is hopeful of putting his four-year drug ban permanently behind him as prepares for a finals series with Canterbury in his first year at the club.
It comes almost five years to the day where Xerri made his first and only previous finals appearance for Cronulla, before he was sidelined for an extended period after testing positive for banned substances.
"I knew coming in, it was always going to be a talking point for myself," Xerri said. "But I would like to get on with my life and get on with my career."
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Dogs star Bronson Xerri hopeful of putting drug ban behind him
The Bulldogs have endured a chaotic build-up to their first finals appearance since 2016 after Josh Addo-Carr stood himself down for the clash against Manly.
The former New South Wales and Australia representative tested positive for cocaine during a random roadside test last week, with the situation quickly engulfing the club.
Yet amidst the headlines around Addo-Carr’s circumstances, the Dogs’ rise to be premiership contenders has been somewhat lost.
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Xerri has played a major role in this turnaround under Cameron Ciraldo with his strong defensive work and attacking ability drawing recent praise from his coach.
The 24-year-old forced his way into the side in Round 5 and has been an ever-present in the backline since that win over the Sydney Roosters.
Xerri missed last week’s disappointing defeat to North Queensland due to a one-game suspension for a dangerous contact charge.
However, he is back on deck for the Bulldogs’ elimination final against the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
And Xerri is confident that a strong display at Accor Stadium will result in less discussion around his previous failed drug test and more on his and the club’s improvement.
"I want my football to be the talking point, and hopefully the success of this club," Xerri declared.
"I want that to be the talking point, not my past."
