Bulldogs land major contract coup, Josh-Addo-Carr tours rival club

One of the biggest dominoes of the 2021 NRL player market has fallen with a Panthers gun telling the club he’s out the door.

Matt Burton has made his decision.

Canterbury has won the battle for rising Panthers star Matt Burton.

In a huge coup for the re-building club, Burton has agreed to a deal with the Bulldogs and has told the Panthers he will leave the club.

The Daily Telegraph first reported Burton’s two-year deal begins in 2022 — and will trigger immediate negotiations surrounding an early release for the 2021 season.

The Panthers confirmed the report on Wednesday, releasing a statement to stress Burton will only leave at the end of the 2021 season.

Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Matt Burton has made his decision.

Burton was one of the most highly sought-after players in the NRL player market and was chased by Bulldogs new coach Trent Barrett since July.

According to reports last month, the Bulldogs offer to Burton is worth between $400,000 per season and $500,000 per season.

Burton was a revelation for the Panthers this season, but fell outside of the Panthers starting side behind fullback Dylan Edwards, halfback Nathan Cleary and playmaker Jarome Luai.

He will slot straight into the Bulldogs best 17 next year, if able to secure a release from Penrith.

The Panthers have shown no sign of letting the promising talent leave early.

“While we’re disappointed with this outcome, it’s important we respect Matt’s decision,” Panthers general manager of football Matt Cameron said.

“He gave particular consideration to a contract extension at Panthers before opting to continue his career at another club.

“That said, Matt remains fully committed to Panthers for the upcoming season and we’re excited to see what the team will achieve in 2021.”

JOSH ADDO-CARR TOURS BULLDOGS HQ

Storm star Josh Addo-Carr has been spotted touring the Bulldogs just weeks after his grand final backflip to express interest in remaining at the Storm.

The star winger’s contract saga continues to fluctuate, but the Bulldogs appeared to take a big step forward after rolling out the red carpet for him this week, The Sydney Morning Herald first reported.

The Bulldogs hopes of winning the war for his signature has been boosted by reports the club is prepared to take the gamble of moving him to fullback, in a move that would see the Storm star’s contract value soar.

Addo-Carr remains under contract with the Storm for the 2021 season, but would not stand in his way if he chooses to accept a big-money offer in Sydney.

Addo-Carr grew up in western Sydney and has long been floating a return to NSW to be closer to his family.

Fox on the run.

Having made his debut for the Wests Tigers in 2016 before moving to the Storm, Addo-Carr has reportedly been pursued by his former club, while South Sydney has also reportedly had a nibble at him.

Earlier this month Addo-Carr revealed that he would be happy to stay with the Storm.

“I probably would return,” Addo-Carr said. “I wouldn’t say no to a Melbourne Storm contract. I love that club.

“I’ll definitely miss the Storm, especially all the boys. I’ve got a really good relationship with everyone at the club and I’ll always be a part of that club and have that connection with the club. I’ve got lifelong friends now, so it is a win-win for me.

“For now, I’m looking forward to getting back to Sydney. I’ve made this decision for my family. Everyone knows I wanted to move back, and I’ve been away from them for so long know as well.”

Storm football manager Frank Ponissi has also left the door open for a return.

BIG DOMINOES FALL IN NRL SHUFFLE

Star playmaker Gareth Widdop is reportedly set to sign with the Cowboys in a move that would allow Jake Clifford to make an immediate move to the Knights.

Widdop reportedly has the support of Super League club Warrington to seek a return to the NRL despite being under contract with the club.

The 31-year-old reportedly also won’t be chased by the Dragons, despite the club having first rights on Widdop if he returns to Australia.

The Daily Telegraph reported Widdop’s move would allow Clifford to be granted an early release from North Queensland to move to the Knights for the 2021 season.

Clifford earlier this month signed a two-year deal with the Knights, beginning in 2022.