The Perth Bears have opened talks with Matt Burton’s management about a move west that would reunite the Canterbury star with former halves partner Toby Sexton, according to a report on Wednesday.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko reported that Bears officials have held preliminary negotiations with Burton’s camp, citing sources not authorised to speak publicly. Neither club had commented publicly on the report at the time of writing.
The newcomers are a club prepared to hand Burton the No.6 jersey and a salary to match the position, the Herald reported. The Bears are yet to land a superstar recruit and have a 20 per cent marquee salary cap allowance they have not yet used.
Contracted, but free to look
Burton is contracted to the Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs would like to keep the NSW Blues utility as a centre, while he could earn more on the open market as a five-eighth.
Read more: Matt Burton Cleared to Test Open Market by Bulldogs
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould addressed the situation on social media last week.
“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.”
“We love Matt Burton … We want to keep him … Matt Burton loves the Bulldogs … He wants to stay,” Gould added.
A familiar partnership
A move to Perth would reunite Burton with Sexton, who has joined the Bears. The pair partnered in the halves at Canterbury in 2024 and 2025, when the Bulldogs pushed towards finals football.
Read more: NRL 2027 Draw Due November 16, Perth Bears Tipped to Host Souths
The Herald reported that several other clubs are likely to sound Burton out, either as a centre or a five-eighth, with Parramatta possibly in the market for both.
Cody Walker offered extra year
The same report said South Sydney is prepared to offer veteran five-eighth Cody Walker a contract with a second-year option in the club’s favour. If it were triggered, Walker would play on in 2028 and equal Paul Gallen as the oldest NRL player ever, at 38.
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