The Bulldogs are reportedly considering a shock positional switch for superstar Matt Burton, with the five-eighth potentially moving back to the centres.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the club’s coaching staff are considering the move but it will hinge on the player’s who can take his place.
Burton has played 47 games for the Bulldogs and hasn’t featured outside the No.6 and No.7 jerseys in Belmore.
However, he played 20 of his 32 games at centre for the Panthers and enjoyed success, scoring in the 2021 grand final win over the Rabbitohs in the position.
Many consider Burton’s running ability the best part of his game, which has been supressed during his time playing in the halves.
However, a move to the centres could also see his kicking duties reduced, possessing one of the most dangerous bombs in the NRL.
If the move eventuates, Cameron Ciraldo will have Toby Sexton, Drew Hutchison, Kurt Mann, Jaeman Salmon and Blake Taaffe all available to play in the halves.
Reports also suggest star recruit Stephen Crichton will wear the No.1 jersey in his first season at the Belmore-based club.
The future of young gun Karl Oloapu remains uncertain after he went under the knife for career-saving surgery on his spine.
Bulldogs former premiership-winning five-eighth Michael Hagan believes Burton is built for the centre position but did question how his kicking game would be utilised.
“His kicking game is the other part of the conversation. How do you get that involved when playing centre but that is something the coach will work out,” he said to News Corp.
“I like Matt’s temperament. He is skilful and smart – he will do a good job wherever they play him.”
