Bronson Xerri's name has lived in the headlines in recent days following his axing and apparent release request from the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Dropped from Canterbury's 22-man squad for their Round 3 clash with the Canberra Raiders, the star centre has had everything from being unhappy with a switch of sides, to unhappy with a demotion to the NSW Cup levelled against him.

The Bulldogs, through ever-talkative director of football Phil Gould, have claimed Xerri hasn't asked for a release, but where there is smoke, there is generally fire.

It's understood plenty of clubs have already made inquiries with his management. It's not every day that a centre of his calibre comes up as a potential to leave their current club, if not immediately, then certainly at the end of the season.

Of course, his contract running to the end of 2027 with the Belmore-based outfit means there is no guarantee he is available at the end of this season.

With that in mind, we have looked at the most likely landing spots for Xerri, with some being more immediate than others.

4. North Queensland Cowboys

If there is a coach under pressure in 2026, it's Todd Payten. On the whole, his Cowboys side has underperformed, and that doesn't look like it's showing any signs of changing as the new season gets underway.

The Cowboys need change - big ones.

The forwards are arguably where it starts, and there is no guarantee Scott Drinkwater is going to be their long-term fullback, but the backline is also up for debate.

Jaxon Purdue's best position is still a mystery, and it's understood he will be trialled at fullback this weekend, while there are injury question marks around Zac Laybutt and Tom Chester, as good as they have both been while on the park.

That could ultimately leave the Cowboys looking for reinforcements. They have already been rumoured to be in talks with Jesse Ramien from the Cronulla Sharks, but if that is the case, then they would ultimately be mad not to pick up the phone and have a chat with Xerri.

Maybe the biggest question in this whole situation is whether Xerri has any appetite to move to Townsville.

Watch this space.