Tigers Coach Benji Marshall Shoots Down Bronson Xerri Rumours, Confirms Injury Update
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has emphatically shut down speculation linking unsettled Canterbury Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri to the club, expressing his frustration at his team being drawn into the player’s contract saga. Reports had surfaced suggesting Xerri, who has been dropped to reserve grade by the Bulldogs, might seek a release and could potentially land at the Tigers, partly due to sharing the same agent.
Marshall, however, was quick to dismiss these claims. “I like Bronson, he’s a really good kid, a really good footy player, but we’re not looking at Bronson,” Marshall stated on Thursday. He also clarified that the Tigers have no interest in North Queensland Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater, who had reportedly been offered to the club as a potential replacement should their current fullback, Jahream Bula, depart.
“I like Drinkwater, he’s a really good player, but we have a fullback [Bula],” Marshall added. “We’re not looking at him either. What baffles me is we get thrown into these [conversations] and become a part of a story that’s not our story. Let’s stop it there. They’re not coming here.”
The comments come as Xerri faces a stint in reserve grade. He was axed from the Bulldogs’ NRL squad for their Thursday night clash against Canberra, with Enari Tuala taking his place. The 25-year-old is set to play in the NSW Cup in Belconnen on Saturday. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo cited “a number of other factors around training and preparation and things like that” when questioned about Xerri’s demotion.
Storm Not Pursuing Xerri, Focus on Goal-Kicking Reinforcements
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm, known for their financial capacity and need for outside backs, have also been mentioned in relation to Xerri. However, sources close to the situation have confirmed that Xerri has not been discussed by Storm officials. The club’s priority is understood to be securing a goal-kicking back, as their last recognised sharpshooter, Nick Meaney, is set to depart for Perth next season.
Injury Update on Taylan May and Praise for Makasini
On the injury front for the Tigers, centre Taylan May is facing a layoff of up to six weeks due to a shoulder injury. Despite the setback, Marshall offered a glimmer of positive news. “The good news for Taylan is he didn’t chip the bone, so he just needs to get strength back into his shoulder, and get it rehabbed,” he explained.
Marshall also lauded the performance of young centre Heamasi Makasini, particularly his defensive efforts in the Tigers’ recent victory over the Cowboys. “Defensively, Heamasi was outstanding [against the Cowboys],” Marshall said. “And for a guy who is 18, the maturity he showed in the game, [while] he didn’t have any superstar moments where he’s been compared to Jonah Lomu [like he was in the trials], but that doesn’t happen every week. If we get a good 7.5-out-of-10 performance from him each week, that’s good enough for me. I thought he was an eight.”
The Wests Tigers kicked off their season in impressive fashion, thumping the North Queensland Cowboys 44-16. This strong performance has generated considerable excitement among their fanbase, with many supporters already securing tickets for their upcoming clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on the Central Coast this Saturday.
Tigers’ Early Season Form and Fan Engagement
The Tigers’ dominant win in their opening game has provided a much-needed boost for the club and its supporters. After a challenging few seasons, the emphatic victory has ignited optimism for the current campaign. The team’s ability to score freely and defend resolutely against a strong Cowboys outfit has been a key talking point.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the team’s early success. Ticket sales for the upcoming match against the Rabbitohs have reportedly been strong, indicating a renewed sense of hope and engagement from the club’s loyal following. The Central Coast has become a regular venue for the Tigers’ home games, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric for the clash against a traditional powerhouse like South Sydney.
The focus for Benji Marshall and his coaching staff will now be on maintaining this positive momentum. Consistency will be key as they navigate the remainder of the season. While the speculation surrounding player movements like Xerri’s is a distraction, Marshall’s clear communication and focus on his current squad provide a sense of stability. The Tigers appear to be building a strong foundation, and their early-season form suggests they could be a team to watch in 2024. The development of young talents like Heamasi Makasini, coupled with the return to fitness of key players, will be crucial for their long-term success.
