The Canterbury Bulldogs have secured a major coup, signing star five-eighth Matt Burton on a five-year deal.
In the first major signing news of 2023, Burton has agreed to a new contract with the Bulldogs to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2027.
Matt Burton has signed a five year deal.Credit:Getty, NRL Photos
Burton’s original contract with the Bulldogs was worth around $500,000 a season. He signed a three-year deal, however, the final year of that deal (2024) was an option in his favour.
The Bulldogs are expected to significantly upgrade Burton’s 2023 and 2024 contract and extend him out for a further three years.
Burton became a free agent on November 1 and was able to negotiate with rival clubs about the 2024 season.
His agent David Riolo recently included his name on an email to all clubs with a list of his off-contract players. That is no longer the case.
Matt Burton joined the Bulldogs from Penrith in 2022.Credit:Getty
The Bulldogs have long earmarked the Dubbo product as the future of their club, and general manager Phil Gould’s view of Burton is reflected in the new deal.
The 22-year-old has achieved everything in the sport at such a young age. He won a premiership with the Panthers in his final season before linking with the Bulldogs, and his since gone on to represent both NSW and Australia.
He has a strong relationship with new head coach Cameron Ciraldo from when the pair worked closely together during their time at the Panthers.
“I’m grateful to be a part of this club,” Burton said.
“We’ve got the new coach in now and I’m really excited to work with him again. He’s a great coach and I’m looking forward to taking my game to the next level with his guidance.
“We’ve got new players in and from my teammates, all the staff, our members and fans, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else. The club is on the up and I’m keen to be a part of this next chapter for the Bulldogs.”
Gould is no stranger to long-term deals. One of his last major deals as general manager of the Penrith Panthers was securing Nathan Cleary’s services on a five-year contract.
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