In a bombshell that has sent shockwaves across the NRL and left Belmore in disbelief, Canterbury Bulldogs star Matt Burton has officially announced that he will leave the club at the end of the 2025 season. In a surprising twist, the 24-year-old five-eighth confirmed he has signed a multi-year deal with Rugby Australia, marking a dramatic code switch to rugby union and an ambition to represent the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
The news was delivered during a press conference at Belmore Sports Ground on Tuesday morning. Burton, composed but visibly emotional, confirmed what fans and insiders had only speculated about: his time in the blue and white is coming to an end. Standing alongside him was Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who later admitted he was “completely blindsided” by the finality and timing of Burton’s decision.
“A New Challenge”
“I’ve loved my time here at the Bulldogs,” Burton told reporters. “This club gave me a home, helped me grow as a player, and supported me through some massive career moments. But I feel it’s time for a new challenge. The opportunity to play in a World Cup on home soil, to test myself in rugby union, it’s something I couldn’t pass up.”
While rumours had circulated in recent months about Rugby Australia’s efforts to lure high-profile NRL stars, few expected Burton to be among those preparing to make the leap. Still in the prime of his career, Burton had recently re-signed with the Bulldogs until the end of 2026, making the announcement even more stunning. However, sources close to both camps confirmed that a flexible clause in his contract allowed for early termination should a cross-code opportunity arise.
Burton’s switch is part of a wider recruitment strategy spearheaded by Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne and Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who have set their sights on converting top-tier league talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup. It’s understood that Burton was approached late last year and began formal discussions in early 2025.
Coach Ciraldo “Speechless”
Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who has worked closely with Burton since taking the helm in 2023, was left nearly speechless by the announcement.
“To say I’m surprised would be an understatement,” Ciraldo said. “Matt’s not just a great player; he’s a leader, a role model, and someone we wanted to build this team around for years to come. But I respect his decision. As a club, we’ll support him all the way through this season and wish him the best when the time comes.”
Ciraldo refused to speculate on a replacement for Burton, instead emphasising the importance of unity and focus during what is likely to be a difficult transitional period for the Bulldogs.
Rise to Stardom
Matt Burton’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After debuting with the Penrith Panthers in 2019, he truly broke out in the 2021 season, helping the club to a premiership and winning the Dally M Centre of the Year. His combination of strength, size, and an elite left-foot kicking game made him one of the most versatile threats in the league.
In 2022, he joined the Bulldogs as part of a major roster overhaul aimed at reviving the struggling club. Despite inconsistent results in his first season, Burton quickly became a fan favourite. His leadership, maturity, and big-game performances—particularly in tight contests—gave fans hope that better days were ahead.
His Origin appearances for New South Wales further solidified his place among the game’s elite, with standout performances that highlighted his ability to adapt under pressure and shine on the biggest stage.
Fan Reaction: Mixed Emotions
Unsurprisingly, fan reactions have been intense and emotional. Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with “#Burton” and “#TIsDone” trending nationwide.
Some supporters praised Burton’s courage and ambition, calling the move a “bold career decision” and wishing him success in the 15-man code. Others, however, expressed frustration and disappointment, pointing to the impact his departure could have on the club’s rebuild.
“Burton was supposed to be our future,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Now we’re back to square one.”
“Gutted. We finally had a real leader to build around,” said another.
The Canterbury Bulldogs’ official statement acknowledged the fan sentiment while standing by Burton’s decision, noting that he would continue to give “100% effort and commitment” through the remainder of the 2025 season.
What’s Next?
Burton’s move to union raises a number of questions—both for the Bulldogs and for Rugby Australia. In rugby union, it’s expected Burton will be trialled in multiple positions including inside centre and fullback, roles that would allow him to use his size, vision, and kicking game.
Rugby Australia has not yet confirmed the length or value of the contract, but insiders suggest it is a multi-million-dollar deal extending through the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Given the Wallabies’ recent struggles on the international stage, the recruitment of a proven NRL star is seen as a vital boost ahead of the high-stakes tournament.
For the Bulldogs, the search for a replacement begins immediately. With limited marquee halves available in the market, the club may look to elevate younger talent from within or pursue a trade with rival clubs. Names like Cody Walker, Jack Wighton (if tempted out of retirement), or even English playmaker George Williams have been loosely mentioned, though no formal interest has been confirmed.
Legacy and Final Chapter
As the dust settles, attention will now turn to how Burton finishes his final chapter in the NRL. Teammates have already expressed their support, with captain Reed Mahoney calling Burton “one of the best blokes in footy” and vowing to make 2025 “a year to remember.”
“He’s given everything to this club. We owe it to him—and the fans—to send him out on a high,” Mahoney said.
Burton, for his part, assured fans that his commitment would not waver despite the looming switch.
“This club means the world to me,” he said. “Just because I’m moving on doesn’t mean I’ll be checking out early. I’m all in for 2025. I want to win for the boys, for the fans, and for myself.”
Conclusion
With just over five months remaining in the regular NRL season, the spotlight will be firmly on Matt Burton—on and off the field. His decision to change codes has altered the landscape of both rugby league and union, and added fresh intrigue to the 2025 season.
In the end, as Burton put it succinctly during his closing remarks: