djdeep4172
Kennel Enthusiast
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2014
- Messages
- 3,653
- Reaction score
- 6,823
He was agitating for his early releasefrom the Panthers at the start of the season, but Bulldogs backer Arthur Laundy believes Matt Burton’s decision to fulfil his contractual commitments will benefit all parties, declaring “I’m pleased he has stayed with Penrith.”
Burton was overlooked for selection for the opening two rounds of the year, prompting Canterbury officials to try to prise him from the foot of the mountains early. However, Burton starred in the absence of Nathan Cleary in the round-three victory over Melbourne and has played every game since, whether it be in the centres or filling in as a half whenever Cleary or Jarome Luai were unavailable.
Laundy made headlines when he demanded the Panthers release Burton in March, but now believes staying put will make him an even better player when he finally arrives at Belmore.
“When I was quite outspoken, he was not playing,” Laundy told the Herald.
“When he was not in the 17, I said ‘Don’t stand in his way, let him go. Come out to us, where he could learn from our coach, which will be the case for the next couple of years.
“That didn’t happen. It hit the press and I know out Penrith way, I was the bad boy and all of that type of thing.
“But when he got into the 17, he started playing such good football that he’s still there.
“I contacted their CEO, Brian Fletcher and said ‘Brian, if I have caused any anguish at all, I’m sorry. I absolutely applaud your decision now because he is playing in the right grade.’
“I thought I had covered all of my tracks there. There’s no doubt about the style of footballer he is and how good a footballer he is.
“I’m pleased he has stayed with Penrith now. He’s in there now with a very good chance of winning a competition, which is a lovely thing to be happening for a 21 year old.
“That’s my attitude to it.”
Burton agreed to a two-year deal with the Bulldogs reportedly worth up to $500,000 a season. At the time, some commentators suggested it was ‘overs’ given the playmaker had made just five first-grade appearances in 2020 and only one the year before.
“There was a bit of uncertainty at the start of the year where I was going to be, but here I am now,” Burton said on Monday.
“I just can’t believe it. I love the club and the boys have become like brothers for me. I think (playing at centre) helps my development and me as a player moving forward. It’s going to be sad to have my last game at the club, but it’s been great for me (staying this year) and I can’t wait for the weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
However, it now appears money well spent given how quickly the Dubbo product has turned potential into performance during Penrith’s run to the grand final.
“I think it has been a very shrewd purchase,” Laundy said.
“If they win on Sunday, it would be a string to his bow, it will be fabulous for him.
“If they don’t win, it will still be that experience of playing in a grand final and the experience of grand final week. That must be fabulous for their 17 footballers.”
When the Bulldogs were negotiating with Burton, Laundy travelled to the family’s hometown in Dubbo to make a pitch to his mother, Lisa.
“I’ve never met the guy, but on Friday I sent him a simple text: ‘Matty, good luck tomorrow. Look forward to meeting you. Arthur Laundy.’
Burton was overlooked for selection for the opening two rounds of the year, prompting Canterbury officials to try to prise him from the foot of the mountains early. However, Burton starred in the absence of Nathan Cleary in the round-three victory over Melbourne and has played every game since, whether it be in the centres or filling in as a half whenever Cleary or Jarome Luai were unavailable.
Laundy made headlines when he demanded the Panthers release Burton in March, but now believes staying put will make him an even better player when he finally arrives at Belmore.
“When I was quite outspoken, he was not playing,” Laundy told the Herald.
“When he was not in the 17, I said ‘Don’t stand in his way, let him go. Come out to us, where he could learn from our coach, which will be the case for the next couple of years.
“That didn’t happen. It hit the press and I know out Penrith way, I was the bad boy and all of that type of thing.
“But when he got into the 17, he started playing such good football that he’s still there.
“I contacted their CEO, Brian Fletcher and said ‘Brian, if I have caused any anguish at all, I’m sorry. I absolutely applaud your decision now because he is playing in the right grade.’
“I thought I had covered all of my tracks there. There’s no doubt about the style of footballer he is and how good a footballer he is.
“I’m pleased he has stayed with Penrith now. He’s in there now with a very good chance of winning a competition, which is a lovely thing to be happening for a 21 year old.
“That’s my attitude to it.”
Burton agreed to a two-year deal with the Bulldogs reportedly worth up to $500,000 a season. At the time, some commentators suggested it was ‘overs’ given the playmaker had made just five first-grade appearances in 2020 and only one the year before.
“There was a bit of uncertainty at the start of the year where I was going to be, but here I am now,” Burton said on Monday.
“I just can’t believe it. I love the club and the boys have become like brothers for me. I think (playing at centre) helps my development and me as a player moving forward. It’s going to be sad to have my last game at the club, but it’s been great for me (staying this year) and I can’t wait for the weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
However, it now appears money well spent given how quickly the Dubbo product has turned potential into performance during Penrith’s run to the grand final.
“I think it has been a very shrewd purchase,” Laundy said.
“If they win on Sunday, it would be a string to his bow, it will be fabulous for him.
“If they don’t win, it will still be that experience of playing in a grand final and the experience of grand final week. That must be fabulous for their 17 footballers.”
When the Bulldogs were negotiating with Burton, Laundy travelled to the family’s hometown in Dubbo to make a pitch to his mother, Lisa.
“I’ve never met the guy, but on Friday I sent him a simple text: ‘Matty, good luck tomorrow. Look forward to meeting you. Arthur Laundy.’
