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Rumoured & Confirmed Signings - Part 5

WestyLife

First Grade
Messages
6,086
7news saying we’re trying to sign Matt Lodge.

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Jane Murray

Bench
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2,837

“If they are so concerned about his wellbeing they would consider letting him stay at Penrith.”

Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher
Sources with knowledge of negotiations told the Herald Burton’s deal with the Bulldogs is worth $450,000 in 2022 and $500,000 in 2023, much more than what Penrith could afford at the time. Penrith would have to fork out at least that much to keep him and shed players in the process. It’s understood not everyone at the Panthers is comfortable with the idea of trying to convince Burton to backflip.

The NRL has scrapped the controversial round 13 backflip rule, which allowed Daly Cherry-Evans the chance to renege on the Gold Coast Titans in 2015, meaning Burton will need to convince Canterbury to release him - or make it untenable for him to join the club next year.

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Doing so might be difficult given the strength of Burton’s relationship with Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, who was a large reason why the Dubbo product signed with Canterbury in the first place.

A potential change of heart in the coming weeks, if accepted by the Bulldogs, could allow Canterbury to pursue the likes of Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson.

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Matt Burton and Brian To’o shake hands after a try against Brisbane last week.CREDIT:GETTY

Canterbury major sponsor Arthur Laundy recently criticised the Panthers for not having Burton’s best interests at heart. The Panthers boss has now turned the table on the outspoken Laundy as Penrith celebrated seven straight wins to start the year.

“Canterbury’s leading sponsor was worrying about his wellbeing by us not playing him at the start of the season, but if they are so concerned about his wellbeing they would consider letting him stay at Penrith,” Fletcher said.


“We always had that under control. I think we’ve done a pretty good job with it. I think it would be our duty to have a further conversation with him. We should have the opportunity to re-look at his contract.

“They wanted him to break his contract this year and had conversations with him about it. We just want the same opportunity to have the conversations with him now. He’s only young. His career wouldn’t have gone ahead as far if we hadn’t looked after him and developed him.”



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5:NRL Highlights: The Panthers hold on against a gutsy Knights outfit - Round
The Penrith Panthers take on the Newcastle Knights in round 7
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Chairman Dave O’Neill was far more coy when pressed on the matter. “If things were to progress, it will make for an interesting retention and recruitment meeting the next time we gather,” he said.

While it’s unlikely the path will open up for him to play in the halves, given the form of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, Penrith have always believed Burton can develop into one of the best centres in the game and had also discussed using him as a ball-playing lock.

Burton, whose form forced Stephen Crichton to right centre in Thursday’s win over Newcastle, has scored four tries in as many games since being brought back into the team in round three, one more than Canterbury as a team during the same period.
 
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Girds89

Bench
Messages
2,852
Agreed on Fletcher. The further away he stays from the running of the footy club the better.

He went behind Gus's back a few times.

Just shut up and leave the retention stuff yo matt Cameron and IC.
 

Whino

Bench
Messages
3,202
Bryan Fletcher is a bit of a goose tbh. It’s one thing to want him to backflip, but to put that pressure on a young bloke publicly is just stupid. He should shut the hell up.

If there is any truth to it (which I doubt) it should all done behind closed doors. Give the media nothing.
Adding fuel to fire not only adds attention but pressure.
 

Girds89

Bench
Messages
2,852
In relation to Burton, unless the club offloads capewell we probably aren't in a finacial position to do anything anyway.

Who knows what clauses players have in contracts.

Burton may have a clause that allows him to change his mind etc if a better offer comes up before a certain date etc.

I doubt it but the club should do everything they can to atleast try to keep him here.
 

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