Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Perth Bears open talks with Matt Burton as Cody Walker weighs extension
The Perth Bears have opened talks with Matt Burton about joining the club and playing in the No.
6 position.
Burton is contracted to Canterbury until the end of 2027, but the Bulldogs have allowed him to explore his options before he becomes a free agent on November 1.
The Bears’ move could reunite Burton with former halves partner Toby Sexton, who played alongside him at Canterbury in 2024 and 2025.
Canterbury wants to keep Burton, and several other clubs may also approach him as a centre or five-eighth.
Separately, South Sydney has offered Cody Walker a contract extension that includes an option for a second year in the club’s favour.
If that option is used, Walker could play into 2028 and equal the record as the NRL’s oldest player, at 38.
Walker is close to agreeing to terms, but the sources do not say that either deal is final.
The Perth Bears have opened preliminary negotiations with Matt Burton’s management about a possible move west.
Burton is contracted to Canterbury until the end of 2027, but the club has given him permission to explore his options before he becomes a free agent on November 1.
The Bears are prepared to offer Burton the No. 6 jersey, potentially reuniting him with former Bulldogs halves partner Toby Sexton.
South Sydney is close to agreeing to a contract extension with Cody Walker, including a possible second year that could keep him playing until 2028.
If Walker plays in 2028, he would be 38 and equal Paul Gallen as the oldest NRL player ever.
- Who
- The Perth Bears and Matt Burton’s management. South Sydney is also negotiating with Cody Walker.
- What
- The Bears have opened preliminary talks about signing Burton. The Rabbitohs are close to agreeing to extend Walker’s contract.
- When
- The negotiations were reported on October 28, 2026. Burton has permission to explore his options before November 1.
- Where
- Perth, where the Bears are based; Burton is currently contracted to Canterbury.
- Why
- The Bears want to reunite Burton with former halves partner Toby Sexton. The Rabbitohs’ offer could keep Walker playing into 2028.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Burton and Sexton played together at the Bulldogs, helping the team push towards finals football.
Phil Gould said Burton’s manager had requested permission to test the market.
Canterbury granted Burton permission to explore his options before he becomes a free agent.
The Bears’ preliminary talks with Burton’s management and South Sydney’s contract discussions with Walker were reported.
- Burton’s Canterbury contract
- Runs until the end of 2027
- Free agency
- Burton can become a free agent on November 1, 2026
- Bears offer
- Prepared to give Burton the No. 6 jersey
- Walker’s possible extension
- A second year could keep him playing until 2028
- Walker’s possible age
- 38 in 2028, which would equal Paul Gallen’s record as oldest NRL player ever
What people are saying
Matt’s manager has requested permission to test the market.
Bulldogs at all times retain last rights.
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 …