Tuala to replace axed Xerri in Bulldogs backline

Enari Tuala has been named in the Canterbury line-up to take on Canberra. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS

Journeyman Enari Tuala will replace Bronson Xerri in Canterbury's backline amid uncertainty over the axed centre's future at the club that saved his NRL career.

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Xerri remains contracted through to 2027 but reports emerged at the weekend he was unhappy in Canterbury, where he returned from a four-year doping ban in 2024.

After being notified the Bulldogs would drop him for Thursday's clash with Canberra, Xerri on Sunday met with football boss Phil Gould who has insisted no release request has yet been made.

Bronson Xerri will play in NSW Cup rather than the NRL this week. (Darren Pateman/AAP PHOTOS)

Xerri has been named to play in Saturday's NSW Cup clash between the Bulldogs and Raiders.

Keeping Xerri in reserve grade could pave the way for prized young half Mitch Woods to make his NRL debut, with five-eighth Matt Burton experienced at centre.

It comes as gun Sydney Roosters recruit Reece Robson is named for a club debut, a month before he'd been expected to recover from his thumb injury.

The NSW State of Origin hooker will replace Benaiah Ioelu at No.9, meaning the Roosters will field their superstar first-choice spine for Friday night's blockbuster against Penrith.

Four-time premiership winner Liam Martin returns from his calf injury to start in the second row for the Panthers, pushing Luke Garner back to the bench.

Liam Martin will return from injury to take his place in the Panthers line-up against the Roosters. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

There is still no room in Penrith's starting line-up for three-time premiership winner Izack Tago.

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has benched Gehamat Shibasaki for the crucial clash with Melbourne following a poor defensive showing in the Broncos' shock loss to Parramatta.

Grant Anderson comes onto a wing for a Broncos club debut against his old firm, while Adam Reynolds has been named at halfback despite leaving last week's loss with a rib injury.

Xavier Willison joins the starting side in place of Jack Gosiewski (concusison) and Brendan Piakura is listed in the No.18 jersey as he hopes to return from a knee issue.

Jamie Humphreys is back from suspension to start at halfback for Souths.

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