LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Canterbury Bulldogs' director of football, Phil Gould, has urged fans to remain calm amid ongoing speculation surrounding Matt Burton's future with the team. Despite Burton being under contract until the end of 2027 and unable to negotiate with other clubs until November 1, 2026, rumors persist about a potential early transfer.
The discussions are set against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding Canterbury's lineup for the 2026 season. Speculation has arisen that Burton, who is anticipated to play as five-eighth, might be asked to take on a different role as Lachlan Galvin and rookie Mitchell Woods compete for positions in the halves.
Galvin is expected to take on the halfback role; however, if that arrangement doesn't go as planned, Bulldogs' coach Cameron Ciraldo may consider moving Galvin into Burton's number six position to keep him in the lineup. This situation has led to suggestions that Burton could potentially be shifted to the centres or even to the lock position.
However, on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gould has dismissed the idea of Burton playing in the number 13 position, reinforcing the notion that fans should not jump to conclusions about the player's role moving forward.