The Canterbury Bulldogs are facing a serious battle to keep their best player Matt Burton long term.
Two terrible losses to the Newcastle Knights at Magic Round and the Canberra Raiders the week before have left the Bulldogs at rock bottom, the first team since the South Queensland Crushers in 1996 not to score 100 points in the first 10 rounds.
They’ve gone backwards since Phil Gould arrived with new signings Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Paul Vaughan, Matt Dufty and Brent Naden.
Matt Burton getting paid unders and losing games at the Bulldogs. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Interestingly Burton’s manager David Riolo says the outstanding five-eighth will more than likely test the open market at the end of the season.
He originally signed for only two years – at an average of $500,000 a season – with an option his way.
There is no doubt Burton could earn 40 per cent more at a rival club – and, importantly, improve his game at a stronger outfit with better coaching.
The Bulldogs have salary cap pressure and have made no move to extend or increase his contract.