Panthers legend and Director Greg Alexander says Penrith won’t release back-up half Matt Burton to the Bulldogs a year early despite ongoing speculation and pressure.
Burton has signed with the Bulldogs from 2022 and wants to join the club a year early, where he’ll play first grade immediately.
At Penrith this year he will play a back-up role to Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
Speaking on SEN 1170, Alexander said Burton is a crucial part of Penrith’s 30-man squad.
“We want to win a comp at Penrith this year. We came very close last year. We did sign Matt to a two-year contract and that still has a year to run. Matt will be an integral part of that team if there’s an injury,” Alexander said.
“Not many clubs have back-up like Matt Burton. We just can’t let him go because we can’t replace him at this late stage. [His manager] David Riolo and Matt Burton were always aware of that.”
20-year-old Burton made his debut for Penrith in 2019.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
