Bulldogs star Matt Burton has declared he wants to wear the No.6 jersey in 2024 after reports emerged he could be making a positional switch.
Burton played some of his best football in the centres for the Panthers and reports suggested club officials were considering moving him back to the position.
However the 23-year-old has made it clear he wants to lead the club moving forward at five-eighth after a chat with head coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Watch sport this summer live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
“Even speaking to him yesterday, I just said to him that I wanna play five-eighth,” he said to the SMH.
“I’ve got a few things to work on in fixing my game. If I can do that, then I’m heading in the right direction.”
By his own admission, Burton said he could have provided more for the Bulldogs who finished in 15th with only seven wins.
The young playmaker also heaped praise on his potential halves partner Toby Sexton who arrived in Belmore in a mid-season switch from the Titans.
“Last year there were stages in the game where I needed to stand up, and I didn’t really provide that,” he said.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“I’d carve up” – Foxx teases code switch | 00:55
MORE NRL NEWS
‘AMERICANISATION’: Hastings’ push for player names, numbers on NRL jerseys
‘DOESN’T MAKE SENSE’: Tigers greats split on club’s bold call that could hurt Benji
SHOCK SWITCH: Why Dogs’ star could make positional switch amid halves headache
OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: Brown to leave Eels coaching role amid Queensland move
“So, I think this year if I can work on those little areas, then it’s gonna help the team in a way… Toby Sexton, at the moment, is showing really good signs. We played some good footy there at the back end of the year.”
Burton has also previously played for the NSW Blues in the centres, with a move to the edge potentially boosting his representative credentials.
However Burton played that suggestion down and made a big claim, stating: “I think if I can knuckle down and play my best footy at six, then I think that there might be a chance to play rep footy at six.”
Discussion about this post