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.

6. Newcastle Knights

In the Hunter, things have really turned the corner to start the new season, with the Knights registering two wins from two under coach Justin Holbrook.

Plenty of pressure will be applied this week with Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown both starting sideline stints as they recover from injury, but there is also the feeling that at some point, the wheels will fall off for the Knights and they won't look quite as good as they have against arguably the NRL's worst two sides so far this year.

Bradman Best - who is an Origin-calibre centre - is one player Justin Holbrook and his staff will be looking to lock up before November 1, with his deal due to expire at the end of 2027.

What happens beyond that in the back five is up for discussion.

This year, it's Dane Gagai on the other side of the park, but there is plenty of talk he will wind up with the Knights at the end of the year, whether to another club or through retirement.

There are no other serious contenders to run out at centre for the Knights, and while money is tight, Xerri could be the sort of game breaker on the edge they need moving forward if they can make the dollars and cents work.