As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.
3. Canterbury Bulldogs: Burton hits the market
The Bulldogs were disappointing in 2022, finishing 12th despite making what seemed like some solid recruitment moves. One recruit that did not disappoint was Matt Burton.
Not long into his opening year at Belmore, there were already rumours of Burton being unhappy as the club continued its 2021 struggles into last season.
Canterbury is seemingly in a much better place now, with Burton reuniting with Cameron Ciraldo, his former assistant coach at Penrith, and the roster being bolstered by the likes of Reed Mahoney and Viliame Kikau.
Admittedly, the prospect of losing Burton is more unlikely now than it was sometime back.
However, Burton is only signed on for next season with a player option for 2024 and as an Origin player, he may be able to seek a bigger pay day on the open market.
Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.
However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).
Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.