The Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly thinking about moving marquee star Matt Burton to a different position for the 2024 season.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the club’s coaching staff is considering moving Matt Burton from five-eighth to the centers.
This could result in him using his running ability more frequently, which many critics believe is his best asset, but it would reduce his kicking duties.
Burton has yet to play outside of the halves since joining Belmore at the start of the 2022 season, despite appearing in a Grand Final for the Penrith Panthers in the centres.
Burton is no stranger to the centres, having played 20 of his 32 games in the position for Penrith and even scoring in the 2021 Grand Final against the Rabbitohs.
Burton’s reported return to the centres coincides with the availability of Toby Sexton, Drew Hutchison, Kurt Mann, Jaeman Salmon, and Blake Taaffe in the halves – the latter four having signed with the team for next season.
Karl Oloapu, a youngster, could also play in the second half.
The club brought in the teenage sensation on a massive deal to be the future of the halves, but his playing career remains uncertain due to career-saving spine surgery.
The Canterbury Bulldogs are also developing dual-code superstar Mitchell Woods and former Wests Tigers and rugby union star Alex Conti.
“The other topic of discussion is his kicking game. “It’s difficult to get that involved when you’re playing center, but that’s something the coach will work out,” Michael Hagan said of Burton.
“I like Matt’s personality. He is skilled and intelligent, and he will perform admirably wherever he is cast.”
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