Canterbury Bulldogs sign Penrith Panthers half Matt Burton
Trent Barrett’s rebuild of the Bulldogs continues with rising Panthers Star Matt Burton poised to leave Penrith for Belmore for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Burton, who has been
targeted as a five-eighth to play alongside Sydney Roosters recruit and halfback
Kyle Flanagan, has informed the Bulldogs he’s committed to joining the club on a two-year deal with the potential for an option for a third year.
Burton is contracted to Penrith until the end of 2021 — and will now be drawn into debate on whether he will request an immediate release for next season.
Matt Burton has agreed to join the Bulldogs. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
The rookie playmaker informed Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and the Cronulla Sharks, who were also chasing his signature, of his decision on Tuesday.
With Burton set to depart, the Panthers will focus on
retaining star young centre Stephen Crichton, who has also attracted attention from rival clubs.
Crichton, 19, is under contract until the end of next year, with Penrith’s new offer, if successful, to take him off the market until after 2024.
New Canterbury Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett has been busy in the transfer market.
Along with Flanagan, Burton also joins former Panthers teammate Jack Hetherington, Canberra’s representative winger Nick Cotric and Manly forward Corey Waddell as Bulldogs recruits.
Veteran half Kieran Foran has left the Bulldogs to return to Manly under Des Hasler, while forward Aiden Tolman has joined Cronulla and winger Marcelo Montoya has inked a deal with the New Zealand Warriors.