Matt Burton has been granted permission to speak with rival clubs a week before the November 1 deadline, with Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould explaining the reasoning behind the decision.
Burton is off contract at the end of the 2027 season and would have been eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, but will now have an early opportunity to gauge interest in his services.
Gould confirmed the reports on X, formerly known as Twitter, revealing Burton's management had requested permission to explore the market as discussions over his long-term future continue.
“Matt's manager has requested permission to test the market,” Gould tweeted.
“Bulldogs at all times retain last rights. It's a good way for both Matt and the Bulldogs to gauge his true value. It will give both parties more information.”
Burton's future position at the Bulldogs remains uncertain, with the 26-year-old having spent time in the halves before returning to the centres, where he won the Dally M Centre of the Year award in 2021.
The utility's long-term role could prove an important factor in determining his future, with Stephen Crichton and Lachlan Galvin finishing the season as Canterbury's preferred playmakers.
Meanwhile, young halves Alex Conti and Mitch Woods continue to develop through the club's ranks, potentially influencing the Bulldogs' plans for Burton moving forward.
The PNG Chiefs, Parramatta Eels and Perth Bears have all been linked to Burton, with rival interest potentially giving him a clearer picture of his value on the open market.
Gould also addressed why Burton had been granted permission to speak with other clubs before the official November 1 date, pointing to the timing of the upcoming pre-season and the wider movement across the NRL.
“I think for a couple of reasons,” he tweeted.
“1) Gets it out of the way before training starts again in November. Less distraction.
“2) There is plenty of discussion and movement in the game at the moment around players like Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Latrell Mitchell, Herbie Farnworth etc Good time to ask the marketplace what he's worth …
“Don't get too spooked by it … It's just the world we live in these days …”
Despite the early market testing, Gould was quick to stress that Burton remains highly valued at Canterbury and that both parties are open to continuing their relationship.
The Bulldogs official also clarified that no discussions around money had taken place between the club and Burton's management to this point, with both sides looking to establish a fair valuation before entering negotiations.
“Just for the record, so everyone is on the same page,” he posted.
“We love Matt Burton …
“We want to keep him …
“Matt Burton loves the Bulldogs …
“He wants to stay …
“That's not in question here at all …
“Matt's management doesn't want Matt underpaid …
“Bulldogs don't want Matt overpaid …
“That's both parties being responsible …
“Simple solution …
“Let the market tell us what the true value might be … Then we can have a more informed discussion …
“To this point, neither Matt's management, nor the Bulldogs, have spoken about money …
“We want to do what's right by both parties …
“I've known Matt since he first came to Panthers from Dubbo.”
Burton's decision to test the market does not necessarily signal an early or impending departure from Canterbury, with Gould making it clear the club remains keen to retain the former Penrith Panthers premiership winner.
However, with rival clubs now able to express their interest early, the coming weeks could provide a clearer indication of Burton's market value and what it will take for the Bulldogs to secure his future beyond 2027.
