Although he has been linked with an exit from the Canterbury Bulldogs for some time, reports have emerged that Matt Burton may remain at the club longer than most people expected him to.
Despite being contracted at the Bulldogs until the end of 2027, that hasn’t stopped Burton’s name from being the subject of various rumours over the past 12 months.
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Since Lachlan Galvin arrived in Belmore in the middle of 2025 from the Wests Tigers, the former Panther has found himself linked to the Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys and Perth Bears in the past.
This was due to many believing that the two couldn’t coexist in the halves because both were predominantly five-eighths.
However, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Burton has opened up negotiations with the Bulldogs with his manager (David Riolo of Titan Sports Management) meeting with the club’s GM of Football Phil Gould in Wollongong on Easter Monday.
It is understood that Burton wants to secure a new extension with the Bulldogs, the club have no appetite to let him leave and is keen to keep him on their books for the long term.
But the Perth Bears remain lurking in the background.
“The Bears came to see me months ago,” Gould said in February when asked on X if Burton was considering a move and had met with the NRL’s newest expansion side.
This came after he previously stated that previous links between Burton and the Bears were completely fabricated – the original story stated that the Bears were interested in signing the Bulldogs and his brother-in-law, Ashton Wawrick, in a package deal.
“I have absolutely no idea where that story came from, so much so that I fronted the journalist that originally wrote the story and he admitted that he speculated and made it up,” Gould said on 100% Footy in September.
“That’s the stuff that we have to deal with every day and we have to mop up that sort of stuff and thankfully we’ve got a great relationship with Matt.”
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ROOSTERS LINKED TO ORIGIN GUN
The Sydney Roosters have found themselves linked to a six-time Queensland Maroons and two-time Australian Kangaroos winger as they prepare for the future.
While they have already signed Reuben Garrick for 2027 who will make the move from the Sea Eagles, veteran Daniel Tupou could potentially follow Wallabies convert Mark Nawaqanitawase out the door as he contemplates his long-term future.
This has seen the Tri-Colours offered North Queensland Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi who remains off-contract at the end of the season and has yet to secure a deal for 2027, per Code Sports.
Although he has been offered to the Bondi-based club, it is unknown if the Roosters will enter negotiations with him due to his hefty price tag and having other options, such as Tommy Talau, also on their books.
Meanwhile, Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou has provided the latest on his contract situation as he prepares to make a call on his future in the NRL over the next two weeks.
“To be honest, sometime this week coming or the next couple of weeks. It hasn’t been sorted out yet. I don’t know what my options are,” he told News Corp.
“I have to catch up with my manager and go from there. I’m just trying to stay healthy and be fit to play on the weekends.”
Stating that he won’t play for another NRL team other than the Roosters, he revealed that he is not against a move to the overseas Super League competition.
“Yeah I would if it arises, it would be a good opportunity,” he added.
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YOUNG BRONCO SET FOR NEW DEAL
The manager of young Brisbane Broncos halfback Thomas Duffy has confirmed that he has begun talks with the club over a contract upgrade and extension.
Formerly with the North Queensland Cowboys, Duffy made his club debut last round for the Broncos and showed plenty of confidence and potential, illustrating that he is set for a long career in the NRL.
Originally joining the club on a one-year contract, that is now set to be extended as the club prepares for life without Adam Reynolds.
While Jonah Pezet will make the switch to Red Hill in 2027 with the view of being the side’s long-term halfback, Duffy is another option and will continue to place pressure on him as he attempts to become the primary option.
“We are in discussions now about an upgraded and extended contract for him,” Duffy’s manager, Sam Ayoub, told Code Sports.
“Tom deserves it. We’re working through it.
“Tommy is a great kid. He is absolutely an NRL quality playmaker. He doesn’t whinge or complain and he works hard. He has a level of class about him and that’s what the Broncos have seen in him.
“Tom would love to stay. He is very settled and happy at Brisbane and I’m sure opportunity will come his way next year with Adam Reynolds retiring.
“There’s no rush but the Broncos like Tom and Tom is happy there so I’d like think we will get a deal done.”
In his first match for the Broncos, he provided three line-break assists and two try assists, kicked for 638 metres and controlled the attack with Ezra Mam.
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