‘Only seen the beginning of his potential’: Bulldogs on the brink of something special after Burton signs massive new deal

It’s been a horror few years for Bulldogs fans, but the future looks very bright with the club confirming a huge new deal for its biggest star.

We’re just a few weeks away from the start of the year of the rabbit, but 2023 is already shaping as the season the Bulldogs recapture their bark after Canterbury confirmed five-eighth Matt Burton has signed a mammoth new five-year deal.

The deal will keep the representative star at Belmore until at least the end of the 2027 season after they pinched him from Penrith.

Burton’s booming boot has mirrored his meteoric rise which saw him make his State of Origin debut last year before he played in two games for the Kangaroos at the recent World Cup.

🗣 Matt Burton has agreed to a multi-year extension to remain at the Club for the next five seasons. #proudtobeabulldog

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) January 6, 2023

His decision to re-sign ends any fears that he may have jumped ship, with Canterbury now one of the most glamorous options for Eels halfback Mitch Moses should he decide to leave the Eels.

Bulldogs fans have endured years of hell on and off the field, but the arrival of new coach Cameron Ciraldo and star players Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney has them in contention to return to the finals for the first time since 2016.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this club,” Burton said.

“We’ve got the new coach in now and I’m really excited to work with him again. He’s a great coach and I’m looking forward to taking my game to the next level with his guidance.

“We’ve got new players in and from my teammates, all the staff, our members and fans, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else. The club is on the up and I’m keen to be a part of this next chapter for the Bulldogs.”

Burton played all 24 NRL games for the Bulldogs last season, finishing his first year in blue and white with 16 try assists, seven tries and 10,240 kick metres, second only to Mitch Moses who played two more matches.

His combination with speedster Josh Addo-Carr on the left edge is something Bulldogs fans fell in love with in 2022, and the addition of Kikau on that side will be a nightmare for opposition defences.

Viliame Kikau will be a threat on Canterbury’s left edge. Picture; Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Matt has been a wonderful contributor to our club both on and off the field over the past season and we’re excited that he’ll continue to be a part of our organisation for the years ahead,” club chairman John Khoury said.

“As a club, we have been building towards a vision of success and stability, and the long-term signing of someone as talented as Matt reinforces the direction that we are headed in.

“He has a great relationship with head coach Cameron Ciraldo and we have only just seen the beginnings of his potential.

“We are extremely pleased to extend Matt’s contract, and this will see him working with Cameron and the Bulldogs for the next five years.”