NRL news: Bulldogs sign Panthers half Matt Burton, target Josh Addo-Carr, Stephen Crichton

Canterbury’s impressive recruitment drive has continued, landing a rising Panthers star, now the Bulldogs must decide which speedster to go all in on for 2022.

Canterbury have won the race for rising Penrith half Matt Burton. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

A future NSW Origin star - or the Blues fastest man?

This is the enviable dilemma that suddenly confronts the Canterbury brains-trust who are deliberating over whether to pursue outstanding Penrith centre Stephen Crichton or NSW Origin and Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr.

Although Canterbury can’t afford to sign both - how quickly things have changed at Belmore.

Just over 12-months after being frozen out of the transfer market by a lopsided salary cap, the Bulldogs are the club that every other rival is looking over their shoulder for.

The Dogs next step in their recruitment is to add legitimate speed and attacking strike to their backline and it’s Crichton or Addo-Carr who they want.

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Bulldogs dilemma: Which NRL star should Canterbury target … Josh Addo-Carr or Stephen Crichton?

Crichton has told those close to him his preference is to extend his future beyond his current 2021 deal at Penrith - while the Dogs are of the belief that it could take as much as $700,000 a season to prize the Blues extended squad member out of his current home.

That size salary for a centre is elite-level money with Kiwi Test centre Joey Manu on an equivalent contract at the Roosters.

But the Bulldogs - like the rest of the code - know how much upside and talent Crichton has.

Which is why the Bulldogs are in the process of weighing up their financial capability to make a serious play for Crichton, or whether to continue chasing Addo-Carr, who toured the club‘s facilities this week.

Addo-Carr isn‘t available until the end of his current contract with the Storm at the end of 2021.

One thing is for certain, the Dogs are on a roll.

With money to spend and coach Trent Barrett promising a new way for Canterbury, the ‘Berris pulled off yet another major coup on Wednesday with the acquisition of talented Penrith half Matt Burton.

Matt Burton has agreed to join the Bulldogs. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

As first revealed by the Telegraph yesterday, Burton has penned a two-year deal from 2022 with an option in his favour for a third season.

Penrith were never a chance to match the Bulldogs and the Sharks offers - who also offered Burton a deal - of close to $620,000 a season.

Barrett‘s relationship with Burton, having worked together over the past 12-months at Penrith, was what knocked the Sharks out of the race.

Burton still has next season to run on his contract at Penrith, but it‘s almost certain that the 20-year-old and his management will request a release to join the Bulldogs immediately.

Penrith are adamant they won‘t be forthcoming with a release unless there is a suitable replacement or swap player offered.

New Canterbury Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett has been busy in the transfer market.

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“Having someone of Matt‘s ability want to be part of what we are building here at Belmore is exciting for everyone involved at the club and all our Members and fans,’’ Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said.

“Matt is a great talent and someone that was highly sought after, so we are delighted that he has chosen to join our club and be part of what we believe to be a new beginning for the Bulldogs.
“With a new coaching staff that is working extremely hard with our players this pre-season and the addition of several new faces we believe that Matt‘s signing for 2022 is another massive step forward for this club.”

Burton will be given first shot at steering the new-look Dogs in 2021 alongside fellow Bulldogs recruit and halfback Kyle Flanagan.

Along with Flanagan, Burton also joins former Panthers teammate Jack Hetherington, Canberra’s representative winger Nick Cotric and Manly forward Corey Waddell as Bulldogs recruits.

Veteran half Kieran Foran has left the Bulldogs to return to Manly under Des Hasler, while unwanted forward Aiden Tolman has joined Cronulla and winger Marcelo Montoya has inked a deal with the New Zealand Warriors.