‘He’s fantastic’: Mick Potter backs Matt Burton for Origin debut

Phil Gould and Mick Potter have both thrown their support behind Matt Burton, who is a chance to make his Origin debut this year.

Matt Burton has his coach’s support as he looks to break into the Origin arena. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Matt Burton’s last-minute State of Origin bid has the support of his new coach Mick Potter, who says the versatile Bulldog has the composure for the biggest stage in rugby league.

Earlier this week, Phil Gould urged NSW coach Brad Fittler not to forget about Burton as he considered which players should fill the vacant spots in the centres for game one on June 8.

While Burton has played five-eighth since moving to the Bulldogs, he made the left centre position his own in the Panthers’ 2021 premiership season and scored the first try of their grand final win.

Fittler is also on the lookout for a bench utility, and while Nicho Hynes and Jack Wighton are considered the frontrunners to fill the spot, Burton’s versatility would make him another option.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

Matt Burton’s versatility could help the Blues. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Potter said Burton wouldn’t let anyone down if selected.

“Matt’s a great player. I think he’s fantastic,” he said.

“I think he’s quite capable of stepping up. His composure and his calm … he’s got a fantastic kicking game and he’s a rugby league player. His anticipation is second to none, so when there’s a play on, he’ll anticipate it before other people. He’s always on the ball and his defence is quite competent.”

Potter admitted, though, it would be difficult for the Bulldogs to contend without their on-field general if he were to be commandeered for Origin duty.

“If there’s an opportunity somewhere for Matt, I’d love nothing better than for him to be in the team,” he said.

“But obviously I don’t want to lose him from this team either.”

Mick Potter is in the hot seat at the Bulldogs. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Potter is preparing for his second game in charge of the last-placed Bulldogs, having been thrust into the hot seat just days out from last week’s clash with his former club the Tigers.

The Bulldogs lost the game and Potter conceded the whirlwind week had been far from the ideal preparation.

“I was a little bit flustered, I suppose, last week,” he admitted.

“It was a bit of a rush and a bit of a surprise, so I’m a little bit more settled now. I’ve got to know a few more people and all the staff.

“I feel a little bit more comfortable.”

The Bulldogs will face the Dragons this Sunday for their first game at spiritual home Belmore Sports Ground since 2019.

“I think it’s going to be great for the fans and great for the players out on the field,” said Potter, who played for the Bulldogs in the glory days when Belmore was their home ground.

“They’ll just soak up the atmosphere.

“We need a win and there’d be no better place to get one than Belmore.”

Originally published as ‘He’s fantastic’: Mick Potter backs Matt Burton for Origin debut