Matt Burton, the five-eighth for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, has expressed his desire to stay in Belmore and is open to a pay reduction for his next contract.
Burton aims to play his best game and feel content without the stress of a playmaker role.
Negotiations about his contract began in April but have been put on hold, with Burton wishing to revisit them once the season concludes.
The 2021 premiership winner, who previously played as a left centre alongside Brian To'o at the Panthers, is likely to face his old team in that position.
Although there were rumors linking him to the Perth Bears over the past year, Burton has now prioritized his happiness and team dynamics over salary concerns.
Phil Gould, the Bulldogs' general manager, discussed Burton's contract in May, highlighting the complexities of his position.
"Over the next 18 months we've got to work out what we pay Matt Burton," Gould stated on James Graham's The Bye Round Podcast this May.
He further noted, "If he plays centre, what are you going to pay him? If he plays five-eighth, what are you going to pay him? Well, he's got some decisions to make."
On Monday, Burton indicated he is unconcerned about his salary prospects and is adaptable to moving to centre permanently, considering the club's focus on Lachlan Galvin at halfback and long-term plans for Mitchell Woods in the halves.