Xerri eager for new Bulldogs deal, premiership tattoo

The Bulldogs are reaping the rewards for taking a punt on Xerri, who was cleared to return from a four-year doping ban in November.

The one-time rookie of the year-hopeful has been crucial to the Bulldogs' expansive style of attack on their rise up the NRL ladder this season.

Already contracted until the end of 2025, Xerri is keen to pledge his long-term future to Cameron Ciraldo's side.

"This club has given me a second opportunity so I'd like to stay here as long as possible, as long as the club wants me," he said ahead of Sunday's clash with Canberra.

"It's only right for me to stay here and repay the faith.

"We're pretty close (to finalising the contract) but I'm just worrying about the game on the weekend, so I'll let my manager and whatnot sort that out for me."

General manager of football Phil Gould confirmed on Thursday the Bulldogs wanted Xerri on the books beyond next season.

"We are keen to extend his contract and Bronson is keen to stay," he wrote on X.

"He's done extremely well and will only get better."

Beat the Raiders and Canterbury could finish the weekend only outside the top four on points differential - provided other results fall their way.

Belief is soaring on the back of last week's thrashing of Brisbane, with Xerri backing his side for a deep run into the finals series.

"There are a lot of us that believe we can go all the way. 'Ciro' (coach Cameron Ciraldo) and the staff have instilled that from day dot," he said.

"At the start of the year you could see signs of it, but there were little things that weren't going our way. 

"There are games where it's clicked and we can see our potential. That's where the confidence and belief comes from."

The already inked-up Xerri has promised to make an appointment with his tattoo artist if the fairytale run ends in premiership glory.

"I've definitely got some room, so God willing we make it because if we win it, there's definitely a tattoo coming," he said.