Sharks young gun Bronson Xerri has knocked back a five-year $2.5 million deal with Cronulla and will test his value on the NRL’s open market as of November 1 this year.

Contracted until the end of 2021, Xerri has been the subject of continued speculation with back-to-back premiers Sydney Roosters repeatedly linked to the Cronulla centre.

The Sharks attempted to blow rival NRL clubs out of the water by tabling a five-year contract to keep the local junior in the Shire.

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Round 20

But Fox Sports has learned Xerri has passed on the offer and will instead focus on returning to playing strong football off the back of off season shoulder surgery.

Xerri, 19, made his debut for Cronulla in round four last season before going on to score 13 tries in 22 appearances for the Sharks.

Good judges reason it will only be a matter of time before the powerful teenager breaks into the representative football arena.

With Xerri making his name as a left centre, the link to the Sydney Roosters makes sense following the departure of Latrell Mitchell to South Sydney.

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But there is no way Cronulla will be releasing Xerri to a rival club this season.

Xerri is also close mates with new Roosters recruit Kyle Flanagan, who will partner Luke Keary in the Tricolours halves this season.

Under the NRL rules, rival clubs are unable to table an official offer to Xerri before November 1 this year but are free to speak to his agent at any time.

Working in Cronulla’s favour is the fact coach John Morris handed Xerri his NRL debut and enjoys an extremely tight rapport with the young gun centre.

The Sharks are currently in camp down the NSW south coast in Kiama.