Australia star signs huge long-term deal with Canterbury Bulldogs

Australia international Matt Burton has signed a huge contract extension which will see him remain with Canterbury Bulldogs until at least the end of 2027.

The 22-year-old played every single game for the Bulldogs last season after arriving from NRL champions Penrith Panthers.

Burton’s impressive performances for the Bulldogs saw him made two appearances for New South Wales in the State of Origin arena. He was then part of Australia’s squad for the end of year World Cup.

The half-back or centre will be a Canterbury player for the next five seasons at least.

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

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo 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 team-mates, 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.”

Matt Burton a big part of the club’s future

Bulldogs chief executive officer Aaron Warburton said: “Matt enjoyed an excellent season in 2022 and one that led to many personal accomplishments.

“He is a great ambassador for the Bulldogs and has fast become a fan favourite.

“Mick (Potter) and the coaching staff did a great job last season and with the addition of Cameron this season, we now have a new but familiar coaching staff that is working extremely hard with all our players in the pre-season.

“We believe that we have been taking huge strides forward as a club. This multi-year agreement with Matt means that he will remain to be a big part of the Bulldogs’ future.

“Having someone of his ability wanting to be part of what we are building here at the Bulldogs is exciting for everyone involved at the club.”

This is just the beginning

Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said: “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.

“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. 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.”

Burton’s contract extension comes just days after his return to Belmore after an extended period of rest alongside his team-mates Josh Addo-Carr (Australia) and Viliame Kikau (Fiji) following their respective World Cup campaigns.

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