He isn't even on track to beat Averillo's attacking output from last season so why should we? It isn't all his fault but we should still expect more from a bloke that is supposedly a superstar. Right now he just looks like a Lewis clone.
Im like you..... torn on this issue.
Averillo IMO IS and has PROVEN to be a better 5/8th in out team. Avo has been pushed out of his best position to accommodate Burton who hasn't really fired.
Both have good footy brains. Burton's kicking game is superior and his long kicks and bombs is something we currently desperately need.
Averillo worth his current contract if he plays at 5/8th but wasted if he doesn't. Burton, not even worth the reported 500k let alone an upgrade but could be worth it next year if Mahoney and coaching staff can change our attack.
The club (and Gus in particular) have a very important decision to make regarding 5/8th.
They probably have to keep one of Burton or Averillo. Keeping them both would require either Burton plays centre or Averillo comes good at halfback.
Here's something to think about....
Would you take Munster at 1.2M, Burton at 800k or Hunt at 1M?
All 3 have great kicking games.
I'll be taking the established stars (Munster or Hunt). You don't pay over 500k on potential no matter who they are.
The word potential is the biggest risk in rugby league that seldom pays off