In 2021 Burton became an NRL premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers just two years after making his debut before moving to the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs last season where he became a New South Wales State of Origin player and is currently representing Australia at the Rugby League World Cup.

Burton will be under contract with the Bulldogs until the end of next season with an option in his favour for 2024.

The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley recently spoke to Burton’s manager David Riolo who shed some light on his client’s future.

“Matt is obviously overseas enjoying his first World Cup and as soon as he is back we will sort through it,” said Riolo.

“He is happy at the Dogs.

“He likes the new coach and he gets on with everyone there, so there is no issue for him at Canterbury.

“Generally with a player of his calibre and someone on the salary he is going to command, those deals are done in good time because clubs need to know budgets.

 
“And if you have Matt Burton in your budget and you don’t get him, well, you have got a fair bit of money to spend, don’t you?”

Based on Riolo’s comments it seems that Burton will end up negotiating a contract extension with the Bulldogs but if he was to test the open market then he would have plenty of clubs chasing his services.

The Dolphins for one will be negotiating with as many quality spine players as possible for 2024 as they are still seeking their first marquee sign.

Lower table clubs such as the Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors all have gaps in their halves with these three clubs likely to display an interest in Burton if he becomes available.

Another team that could also set their signs on Burton are the South Sydney Rabbitohs if they choose to part ways with the ageing Cody Walker at the end of 2023 and look to create a long-term halves partnership of Burton and Lachlan Ilias.