Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Matt Burton gets permission to test his value with rival NRL clubs
Canterbury has let Matt Burton explore offers from rival clubs before he becomes a free agent on November 1.
Burton remains under contract with the Bulldogs until the end of 2027, and the club retains the final say, according to general manager Phil Gould.
Gould says both sides want a fair assessment of Burton’s value, with the market expected to provide more information for contract discussions.
Burton was moved from five-eighth to centre during the 2026 season, while Stephen Crichton took the five-eighth role alongside Lachlan Galvin.
The position change may affect his market value, because five-eighths typically earn more than centres in the NRL.
Burton has won a premiership with Penrith and made three State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.
The market test is expected to inform talks about his future, though the sources say neither side has yet discussed money.
Canterbury Bulldogs have granted Matt Burton permission to test his value with rival NRL clubs before he becomes a free agent on November 1.
Burton remains contracted to Canterbury until the end of 2027, and the club retains last rights, according to Phil Gould.
Gould said both Burton and the Bulldogs want him to stay, and described testing the market as a way to gauge his value.
Burton was moved from five-eighth to centre during the 2026 season.
Several clubs have been linked with Burton, including the Bears, Parramatta and the PNG Chiefs.
- Who
- Matt Burton, a Canterbury Bulldogs player.
- What
- He has permission to test his value with rival NRL clubs before becoming a free agent.
- When
- Permission was confirmed on Friday, October 23, 2026, ahead of November 1.
- Where
- Canterbury, in the NRL.
- Why
- Gould said testing the market would help Burton and the Bulldogs gauge his value and inform further discussions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Burton was shifted from five-eighth to centre at Canterbury.
Gould confirmed that Burton had permission to test the market early.
Burton is due to become a free agent.
- Contract
- With Canterbury until the end of 2027
- Market testing
- Permission granted before November 1
- Position change
- Moved from five-eighth to centre during the 2026 season
- Clubs linked
- Bears, Parramatta, PNG Chiefs and Penrith
3 sources
What people are saying
Simple solution … Let the market tell us what the true value might be … Then we can have a more informed discussion.
Matt’s manager has requested permission to test the market.
Matt’s manager doesn’t want Matt underpaid, Bulldogs don’t want Matt overpaid… that’s both parties being responsible.
Posts on X
Matt’s manager has requested permission to test the market … 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 …