NRL 2021: Craig Gower backs Matt Burton to relish pressure test against Melbourne Storm

Bulldogs-bound Matt Burton will get to show what the fuss is all about when he deputises for concussion victim Nathan Cleary as the Panthers get ready to tackle the Storm.

Matt Burton. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

He will jump from NSW Cup to a grand final rematch in just six days, but Melbourne Storm have been warned against trying to bully Panthers’ new boy Matt Burton.

Those that know him say it just won’t work.

Burton has been called into Penrith’s 17-man squad for the big match against Melbourne at Panthers Stadium on Thursday night after star halfback Nathan Cleary was ruled out through concussion, as was revealed by News Corp on Tuesday.

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Matt Burton has been called into the Panthers’ squad for the grand final rematch.

Cleary’s withdrawal comes as Melbourne lost gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen with a neck injury.

It may be just his seventh NRL game but Burton will play under the spotlight given his much-publicised shift to Canterbury from next season.

Burton’s preparation for the match was a starring role in a NSW Cup game for Penrith against Mounties last Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.

But Burton won’t feel any pressure a,ccording to his manager David Riolo, Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary and former Penrith champion Craig Gower.

“The pressure won’t bother him – he knows he is up to that level and will back himself — 100 per cent,” Riolo said.

“He is just a good player. It’s not like he has to go out there and be Nathan Cleary. He just has to do his job and play how he plays. He has to be himself.

“Nothing much seems to faze him.

Matt Burton starred for Penrith in their win against Mounties last weekend.

“Matt is a pretty laid-back kid, a relaxed, level-headed, well-mannered country boy. He won’t be any more nervous playing this week than he will next week.

“He will be aware it’s a big game — that’s the way it is every time you play Melbourne, but he’ll be fine.”

Gower has spoken with Burton about his career and future and knows the rising star will handle the expectations.

“The pressure won’t affect him – I think he will relish it,” Gower said.

“He has been waiting for this opportunity and will want to show people what he can do. Matt will want to show Ivan (Cleary) he is good enough to do the job.

“He will come up against one of the best teams in the competition and they are one of the hardest teams to break down, but he is coming in after a great game in reserve grade last week. It’s a grand final rematch and he’s been thrown in.

“It will be interesting to see whether they start with him or use him off the bench. How good is it for Penrith to have someone like Burton to fall back on?”

Burton may or may not start.

Burton could start, although coach Cleary may opt for Jarome Luai and Tyrone May in his halves.

While attracting multiple headlines for his move to Canterbury next season, and continued talk he wanted to play at Belmore this season, Cleary had no doubt Burton would handle the massive occasion against Craig Bellamy’s Storm.

“He could go anywhere, not sure yet,” Cleary said. ”It‘s big a test for all of our players, but we have full faith in Matt.

“It’s no wonder that other clubs are chasing him but he’s a Panther at the moment and I’m looking forward to how he steps up, but he’s just got to do his job like everyone else. His performances at Cup level have been really good.”

Melbourne arrived in Sydney in Wednesday and offered immediate respect to the Panthers.

“They had a great run last year, I think they won 17 games straight there up to the grand final and they haven’t conceded a point yet to start this season off, so they’re obviously in really good form,“ Bellamy said.

“They’ve controlled the ball really well, which obviously helps with having more energy to defend.”