Manchester: Matt Burton has declared he wants to stay at the Bulldogs to be part of general manager Phil Gould’s “exciting” long-term vision for the club… rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Burton hit the open market last week and is set to earn a huge pay rise thanks to his incredible rise in 2022.
The 22-year-old became the Dogs five-eighth after winning a premiership at the Panthers and being named the 2021 Dally M Centre of the Year.
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Despite Canterbury’s struggles on the field, Burton quickly found his feet at the club and earned selection for New South Wales and Australia.
Burton is on a $500,000 per season deal but is free to negotiate with rival clubs thanks to a 2024 option in his favour.
The Bulldogs are ready to table a four-year extension worth around $750,000 per season, but rival clubs are willing to pay him over $800,000.
The star playmaker is currently in England trying to help Australia retain the World Cup and said he plans on signing his next deal when he returns.
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Burton told foxsports.com said it was important for NRL players to earn big while they can, but said his future is at Canterbury.
“We put in the hard work and effort to play the game so you know you’ve got to be getting the most in return,” Burton told foxsports.com.au.
“I’m keen (to re-sign at the Bulldogs). It’s exciting with all the new stuff going on at the club, we’ll see what happens after the tournament.”
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Gould has made waves since joining the club halfway through last season and signed the best young coach in the game – Cameron Ciraldo – from the Panthers.
Grand finalists Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney have also joined the club and many are tipping the 2021 wooden spooners to make the top eight.
Burton worked closely with Ciraldo at Penrith and backed the rookie coach take his game to the next level.
“Gus has been good, he’s a very smart man and he’s making a lot of change at the club so it’s looking interesting and exciting for next year,” Burton said.
“We’ve got the new coach coming in and a few new players coming in and – place is looking on the up.”
