Matt Burton has been cleared to test his value on the open market, with Canterbury Bulldogs boss Phil Gould confirming the playmaker’s manager asked for permission to speak to rival clubs ahead of NRL free agency opening on November 1.
Gould revealed the news on social media on Friday evening, Fox Sports reported, saying Canterbury would keep the final say on any deal.
“Matt’s manager has requested permission to test the market,” Gould wrote.
“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.”
One year left at Belmore
Burton still has one more year to run on his current Canterbury contract, but he is now free to field offers from rival clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Read more: Bradman Best Confirms He’ll Test Free Agency on November 1
The 2021 Dally M Centre of the Year has mostly played in the halves for the Bulldogs, but he was shifted to the centres late in the season, with Stephen Crichton partnering Lachlan Galvin in the halves.
That leaves Canterbury with a halves puzzle to solve over the coming months, with young playmakers Alex Conti and Mitch Woods also in the mix, Fox Sports reported.
Bears, Eels and Chiefs
The Perth Bears and Parramatta Eels have been linked with Burton for months, Fox Sports said, while the incoming PNG Chiefs are expected to be linked with most players on the market.
Read more: AJ Brimson Offered $750k Tax-Free Deal by PNG Chiefs, Report Says
Burton’s situation adds another big name to a busy market, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best also confirming this week that he will test free agency when the window opens on November 1.
With Canterbury retaining last rights, the Bulldogs will get the final chance to match any offer Burton receives.
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