PLAYERS | Matt Burton

Panther 590

32 matches [2019-2021]

89 points [20 tries, 4 goals, 1 field goal]

Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_burton-matt.htm

Dubbo junior who started the 2019 season in Jersey Flegg before moving further up to Canterbury Cup.

Injuries and suspension saw the 19-year old earn a NRL debut in August, starting at five-eighth, and in the first half had a try assist when he punched a well-timed grubber kick in to the in goal.

It would his solitary appearance in the NRL for 2019 given the club were granted an exemption to name him as he was outside the club’s 30-man roster and played out the season in the Canterbury Cup.

Named in the 2020 NRL squad, he made two appearances at five-eighth after the resumption from the COVID-19 enforced break in the season, scoring a double against the Warriors. With the return of the suspended Nathan Cleary, he dropped out of the 17, but would make three more appearances off the bench in the second half of the season.

Amid much speculation about his future at the Panthers, it was confirmed after the end of the season that he would be joining Canterbury in 2022.

Starting the 2022 season in the Knock On Effect Cup, there was an external push from the Bulldogs to release him one year early, however, the Panthers stood firm and made his first NRL appearance in the Round 3 win over Melbourne, replacing Nathan Cleary at halfback. The following week, he retained his spot, shifting to the centres. After some strong performances in that position, he retained a spot in the 17 for the remainder of the season, and on occasion shifting to the halves. Moving to the centres proved to be a masterstroke, not only providing additional kicking options outside of the halves, but also being a great finisher, and would be the club’s top try scorer. He was also named one of the centres in the Dally M team of the year. His last appearance for the Panthers would be in the grand final, also crossing for the first try in the decider.

In 2022, his career continued to rise at Canterbury, making his representative debut for New South Wales and later his Test debut for Australia in the World Cup. He is currently contracted at the Bulldogs until the end of 2027.

Last updated 26 November 2023