Penrith made a massive mistake letting him go
nsw would be far stronger with burton at 6 his bombs are uncatchable
I am a huge fan of Burton - I think he will be a better player than Cleary and Luai. It kills me to see him playing elsewhere. I knew he was a gem in 2020 and wished that Ivan was a little braver during that season and had him playing in the centres ahead of Naden. Would perhaps have 2 Premierships in a row!
In saying that with Nathan Cleary being the teams No.1 player not to mention the Coaches son, it means the No.6 position is all about who
complements Cleary rather than who is the better player. Cleary's and Burton's biggest strengths as halves are their kicking games especially bombs and clearing kicks. So rather than complement they sort of clash. Both are also rather structured halves so they clash there again. Luai has elusiveness, agility and instinctual play that both Cleary and Burton lack and that is why Luai is the better fit.
That and also Luai is like the cultural glue at the Panthers. If they let him go, a bunch of the Samoan boys would be pretty upset and the entire 'vibe' of the squad would die. That is why Luai is the right choice.
Personally, I'd have liked him to have played as a fullback for the Panthers. Would be unstoppable. Edwards is a wholehearted player who is underratted but he just extremely limited in terms of ball playing. Burton at fullback would be similar to Tommy Turbo...but with a huge boot...
