CANTERBURY star Bronson Xerri broke his silence after a month of controversy after playing a key role in ending Penrith’s unbeaten start to the season.
Xerri blew up over his non-selection last month but found himself replacing injured captain Stephen Crichton at Accor Stadium on Thursday night for a match few thought they could win, against competition leaders the Panthers.
And he put the drama behind him as the Doggies got up 32-16.
“It’s a blessing,” the 25-year-old told Triple M. “It’s been a tough month but I went back and asked some tough questions about myself and I’m just happy to be hear tonight.
“Me and Cirro (coach Cameron Ciraldo) had some tough conversations but we both know where we stand and I’m putting the club before myself.
“I’m coming in each day and training hard and fighting for that spot.”
Ciraldo praised the man who agitated for a release when dropped and who was reportedly unhappy at being switched from one side of the field to the other during the pre-season.
“The most pleasing thing, which no-one would have seen, is how well he was communicating out there,” the coach said.
“The players in there are already talking about that. That was something he needed to go and work on.”
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