Jane Murray
Bench
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I love the dig at Barrett. I think Burto may regret his move.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary officially killed off any hopes Canterbury had of luring Matt Burton to Belmore in 2021 and declared: ‘‘It will be best for him in the long run he stays with us another 12 months.”
On the same day Penrith announced a two-year extension for Spencer Leniu, who turned down big-money offers from Canterbury and St George Illawarra, Cleary said there would be no early mark for Burton, despite repeated requests from the Bulldogs. Canterbury have signed Burton for 2022, but kept a spot open on their roster in the hope the Panthers would cut him loose.
Hands off ... Matt Burton at training this week.CREDIT
ANTHERS
Daine Laurie could yet be granted a release from Penrith to join the Wests Tigers, provided the Tigers are prepared to take Josh Mansour off their hands as well, while Stephen Crichton is no closer to sorting out his own future as he holds out hope for a deal worth more than $600,000 a year.
While Cleary refused to be drawn on the futures of Laurie, Mansour and Crichton, he did want it known Burton would not get a leave pass – and was a chance to make the temporary shift to the centres.
‘‘We always wanted Matt to stay with us and we presented an offer, which was a good offer,’’ ‘‘Cleary said yesterday. ‘‘There was always the possibility Burto might decide to leave, and that was always going to be purely for opportunity and better money.
‘‘But we were clear from the start he wouldn’t be granted a release for 2021 if that did happen. That hasn’t changed, we’ve been very open about it, and there are two reasons for it.
‘‘Firstly, Matt is a very valuable member of our squad and will make a considerable contribution to our performance next year.
Matt Burton, who signed a three-year deal to join Canterbury from 2022, in action at the Nines.CREDIT:GETTY
‘‘And we also think it’s best for him personally to stay in our system for another year so he can further develop – it’s our opinion that it’s best for him in the long run he stays with us another 12 months. We know people are agitating for it [an early release] to happen, but everyone has been well aware of our position for a long time.’’
Cleary’s son Nathan is one of the best halfbacks in the game – he even nudged out Daly Cherry-Evans in the Kangaroos merit team – while his on-field chemistry with five-eighth Jarome Luai helped take the Panthers all the way to the grand final.
Burton will combine with Kyle Flanagan at the Bulldogs in 2022 after being heavily pursued by former Panthers assistant and new Canterbury coach Trent Barrett.
While there was talk Burton could move into the back row, Cleary said centre was the more likely option. There remains some uncertainty surrounding Brent Naden, who has been stood down by the NRL after his grand final drug shock.
While players such as Luai, Crichton and Isaah Yeo remain unsigned beyond next year, Leniu will be staying put until at least the end of 2023.
The 20-year-old front-rower said: ‘‘This club and this community has been home for me since I moved over from New Zealand 10 years ago. I know the staff and players here will help take my game to the next level. It’s a special group of people.
‘‘We’re determined to turn the success of last season into something more and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary officially killed off any hopes Canterbury had of luring Matt Burton to Belmore in 2021 and declared: ‘‘It will be best for him in the long run he stays with us another 12 months.”
On the same day Penrith announced a two-year extension for Spencer Leniu, who turned down big-money offers from Canterbury and St George Illawarra, Cleary said there would be no early mark for Burton, despite repeated requests from the Bulldogs. Canterbury have signed Burton for 2022, but kept a spot open on their roster in the hope the Panthers would cut him loose.
Hands off ... Matt Burton at training this week.CREDIT
ANTHERSDaine Laurie could yet be granted a release from Penrith to join the Wests Tigers, provided the Tigers are prepared to take Josh Mansour off their hands as well, while Stephen Crichton is no closer to sorting out his own future as he holds out hope for a deal worth more than $600,000 a year.
While Cleary refused to be drawn on the futures of Laurie, Mansour and Crichton, he did want it known Burton would not get a leave pass – and was a chance to make the temporary shift to the centres.
‘‘We always wanted Matt to stay with us and we presented an offer, which was a good offer,’’ ‘‘Cleary said yesterday. ‘‘There was always the possibility Burto might decide to leave, and that was always going to be purely for opportunity and better money.
‘‘But we were clear from the start he wouldn’t be granted a release for 2021 if that did happen. That hasn’t changed, we’ve been very open about it, and there are two reasons for it.
‘‘Firstly, Matt is a very valuable member of our squad and will make a considerable contribution to our performance next year.
Matt Burton, who signed a three-year deal to join Canterbury from 2022, in action at the Nines.CREDIT:GETTY
‘‘And we also think it’s best for him personally to stay in our system for another year so he can further develop – it’s our opinion that it’s best for him in the long run he stays with us another 12 months. We know people are agitating for it [an early release] to happen, but everyone has been well aware of our position for a long time.’’
Cleary’s son Nathan is one of the best halfbacks in the game – he even nudged out Daly Cherry-Evans in the Kangaroos merit team – while his on-field chemistry with five-eighth Jarome Luai helped take the Panthers all the way to the grand final.
Burton will combine with Kyle Flanagan at the Bulldogs in 2022 after being heavily pursued by former Panthers assistant and new Canterbury coach Trent Barrett.
While there was talk Burton could move into the back row, Cleary said centre was the more likely option. There remains some uncertainty surrounding Brent Naden, who has been stood down by the NRL after his grand final drug shock.
While players such as Luai, Crichton and Isaah Yeo remain unsigned beyond next year, Leniu will be staying put until at least the end of 2023.
The 20-year-old front-rower said: ‘‘This club and this community has been home for me since I moved over from New Zealand 10 years ago. I know the staff and players here will help take my game to the next level. It’s a special group of people.
‘‘We’re determined to turn the success of last season into something more and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
