Matt Burton, renowned for his powerful kicking ability in the NRL, has opened up about the possibility of testing his skills in the NFL. After a week in Las Vegas where scouts reportedly observed his kicking prowess, the Bulldogs five-eighth revealed he would be interested if the chance to switch codes arose.
Burton’s Impressive Performance Captures NFL Attention
During the first round in Vegas, Burton’s kicking was on full display as he executed 14 kicks covering 462 metres, including five high bombs. This display drew the gaze of American football scouts, who were reportedly evaluating whether his unique skill set could be adapted to the NFL game.
The Bulldogs’ visit to the Las Vegas Raiders’ headquarters added further speculation about Burton’s potential future beyond rugby league.
Player Reflects on Code Switch Possibilities
Burton commented on the prospect of switching to American football, saying,
“Yeah, 100 per cent if anything pops up, I would look at it,”
and later added,
“At the moment, I’m happy at the Dogs. And happy to get the win. But maybe down the track something may appear …”
He also expressed confidence in his ability to adapt, stating,
“So we’ll see what the scouts were doing tonight,”
followed by,
“It’s more technical than league, and I would have to study it, but I feel I could have a crack at it.”
Context Within NRL to NFL Transitions
Only a handful of NRL players have made the leap to the NFL in recent times, with Valentine Holmes being the most recent example. Holmes competed in the American league for one year after facing Burton’s Bulldogs as part of the St George Illawarra Dragons, before returning to rugby league.
Burton’s contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs runs through to the end of 2027, when he will be 27 years old, a timeline that leaves room for a future career move should the right NFL opportunity present itself.
Potential Impact of an NFL Move for Burton and the Bulldogs
Matt Burton’s openness to exploring interest from the NFL highlights growing intrigue in cross-code player movement. Should he decide to pursue the American football pathway, it could set a precedent and inspire further exploration for talented NRL kickers looking to expand their careers. For the Bulldogs, this possibility represents both a challenge and an exciting opportunity to showcase one of their key playmakers on an international stage.
