Good to know he’s pushing for round 1, I really think there is a fair chance he gets spot now.
Can anyone post the story? From the headline it seems Maloney is talking him up.
Here you go.
James Maloney still mentoring Penrith playmaker Matt Burton from France
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
November 19, 2019 4:26pm
James Maloney now resides in south-west France but he is just a Facebook message away for rising Penrith five-eighth Matt Burton.
Burton wants to make the No.6 jersey his own, but faces stiff competition from Jarome Luai.
The Dubbo-born playmaker built a close connection with the ex-Test and Origin five-eighth during his maiden NRL season with Penrith last year.
It’s why Burton plans to reach out to Maloney on the other side of the world for any tips on how to succeed in his old No.6 jumper.
“If I get stuck with something I’ll definitely reach out to Jimmy and he’ll be there straight away,” Burton told The Daily Telegraph.
“He helped me massively last season. In the lead-up to my debut against Cronulla he was in my ear the whole time giving me little tips.
“He is a class footy player, he has got so much knowledge and he always helped people out — Jimmy is a massive loss.”
Forward Isaah Yeo believes Maloney was so influential that the Panthers will battle to find his equal in the charisma stakes.
“It’s probably Josh Mansour but to be honest Jimmy is a fair loss character wise,” Yeo said.
“He brings a lot of experience but as everyone knows he is also a larrikin, so he’ll be a loss in the dressing sheds as well.”
Burton will never match Maloney’s boisterous presence but he possesses the skills to succeed in the NRL.
He showcased this ability during his top grade debut against Cronulla in round 21 last season.
Burton looked composed as he expertly steered Penrith around the park in the absence of a suspended Maloney.
“I’ll keep working hard and see what it brings,” the 19-year-old said.
“It does feel like I’m starting again this pre-season.
“There are a lot of new faces getting around but the first few sessions have been really good.
“We’ve all bonded well and I’m really keen to see what next season brings.”
It has been a busy off-season for Burton with his loved ones back home in Dubbo also dealing with the ramifications of the drought.
He recently visited family and friends and was taken aback by the financial and mental impact the drought has had on the region.
“I was chatting to one bloke and he has spent so much money on feed for his livestock that he is in a really bad spot,” he said.
“It definitely plays with your head being in that sort of industry.
“It is getting really dry and it would be hard not having an income.
“We need some rain and hopefully we get a good amount soon.
“My dad Guy lives on a few acres near Dubbo but it’s more family and friends that I know who are in more danger.
“They are fighting for their jobs and lives really — it is shocking out there.”
Burton plans to return to Dubbo in the coming weeks to help the farmers.
“I can give them something like a jersey to boost their spirits,” he said.
“Anything just to keep people positive.”
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...e/news-story/3c7d60c45640ff7529a80afd923d9580
