NRL Transfer Whispers: Xerri Rejected, Bunnies Stall, Warriors Swap & Cowboys Lock Purdue

The NRL landscape continues to shift as teams navigate player movements and prepare for the challenges ahead. While Bronson Xerri’s future remains uncertain, other clubs are dealing with their own roster decisions, including potential trades and contract negotiations.

Xerri’s Future Clouded as Clubs Distance Themselves

Bronson Xerri, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs centre, finds himself in a precarious position as multiple clubs publicly distance themselves from any interest in acquiring his services. Reports emerged last week that Xerri was unhappy at the Bulldogs after being asked to switch from left to right centre, leading to speculation about a potential move. However, both the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels have emphatically denied any plans to pursue the 25-year-old.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Storm officials have not discussed Xerri as a transfer target, prioritizing the acquisition of a goal-kicking back instead. Eels coach Jason Ryles was even more direct, stating, “No, not at all,” when questioned about the club’s interest in Xerri. This leaves Xerri’s future with the Bulldogs increasingly uncertain, especially given his contract extends through the finish of 2027.

Xerri was dropped to reserve grade, where he scored with his first touch of the football against the Raiders on Saturday, further fueling speculation about his discontent. Despite the rumors, any potential move is complicated by his existing contract, preventing him from officially speaking with other clubs at this time.

Rabbitohs Stall Contract Talks with Key Playmaker

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing a salary cap squeeze following the anticipated arrival of Payne Haas, leading to a pause in contract negotiations with halfback Jamie Humphreys. Humphreys, who cemented his position in the team’s spine last season after arriving from the Manly Sea Eagles, was in advanced discussions regarding a one-year extension through 2027.

However, Code Sports reports that the Rabbitohs have halted those talks to manage their salary cap effectively. This opens the door for other clubs to potentially swoop in for the talented playmaker, with the Perth Bears reportedly showing keen interest.

Humphreys’ versatility, capable of playing in the halves or at hooker, makes him an attractive prospect for several teams. The Bears, already recruiting Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart for the halves, could see Humphreys as a potential switch to dummy-half. South Sydney similarly has Ashton Ward, Jonah Glover, and Matthew Humphries as potential replacements, with the latter viewed as a long-term halfback solution.

Warriors Close to Player Swap with Broncos

The Warriors are reportedly “on the verge” of securing a replacement player from the Brisbane Broncos as part of the deal that saw Mitch Barnett move to Red Hill. Barnett was granted a release earlier this month on compassionate grounds, and the Warriors sought compensation in return.

According to David Riccio of Triple M, the Warriors are close to finalizing a swap for Broncos player Grant Anderson. “This is in the stages of negotiations as far as what the deal looks like and how much money but I’m also certain this will eventuate and Grant Anderson will end up at the Warriors,” Riccio reported.

The potential acquisition of Anderson, alongside Storm flyer Will Warbrick, could impact the futures of current Warriors players Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, both of whom are off-contract at the end of the year. The Warriors are aiming to finalize a deal for Anderson for next year before exploring the possibility of an immediate swap.

Anderson recently had his first run for the Broncos after Gehamat Shibasaki was dropped, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to a fresh team.

Cowboys Poised to Secure Jaxon Purdue on Mega-Deal

The North Queensland Cowboys are on track to retain the services of young gun Jaxon Purdue, reportedly offering him a four-year extension worth $3 million. Purdue, off-contract at the end of 2026, has attracted interest from rival clubs, including the Storm, Bulldogs, and Bears, but appears committed to staying in Townsville.

The 20-year-old has impressed since his debut in 2024, scoring 17 tries in 34 games and showcasing his versatility at centre, five-eighth, and fullback. The Cowboys and Purdue’s management are currently negotiating the final details of the deal, with a reported value of $750,000 per season.

Purdue’s manager, Sam Ayoub, confirmed his client’s preference to remain with the Cowboys. “Yes, we’ve had some talks with the Cowboys,” Ayoub told The Daily Telegraph. “My priority is always to work with a player to stay at his incumbent club.”

The Cowboys’ commitment to Purdue underscores their belief in his potential and their determination to build a strong core for the future. The successful completion of this deal would be a significant win for the club, securing a promising talent for years to come.