Matt Burton is set to earn the first grade minutes he craves at the Canterbury Bulldogs from 2022.
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The Bulldogs confirmed a three-year for Burton on Wednesday.
The St John's junior and former NSW under 20s five-eighth will see out the final year of his contract at Penrith next year before linking with new Dogs coach and former Panthers assistant Trent Barrett at Belmore.
"Having someone of Matt's ability want to be part of what we are building here at Belmore is exciting for everyone involved at the club and all our members and fans," Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill said.
"Matt is a great talent and someone that was highly sought after, so we are delighted that he has chosen to join our club and be part of what we believe to be a new beginning for the Bulldogs.
"With a new coaching staff that is working extremely hard with our players this pre-season and the addition of several new faces we believe that Matt's signing for 2022 is another massive step forward for this club."
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Despite being highly-regarded at the Panthers, Burton has played only six matches in the top grade.
A former Western Rams and Dubbo CYMS star, Burton made his debut for Penrith in a win over Cronulla in round 21 of the 2019 season and earned rave reviews after a composed performance in the halves.
He began the 2020 season locked in a fierce battle to partner NSW halfback Nathan Cleary but ultimately lost out to Jarome Luai, who went on to have a sensational season for the minor premiers and earned a place in the Blues' Origin squad.
Penrith's general manager rugby league Matt Cameron stated it was disappointing to lose the talented 20-year-old but added he and the club respected Burton's decision.
"He gave particular consideration to a contract extension at Panthers before opting to continue his career at another club," Cameron said.
"That said, Matt remains fully committed to Panthers for the upcoming season and we're excited to see what the team will achieve in 2021."
Burton is expected to form a halves partnership with former Sydney Rooster Kyle Flanagan at the Dogs and the pair of youngsters will be tasked with leading the club rebuild.
The Bulldogs haven't played finals since 2016 and sacked coach and Dubbo product Dean Pay during the 2020 season.
Assistant Steve Georgallis took over as caretaker coach for the rest of the season but Barrett is now on deck and the build-up to 2021 has already begun.
While Burton will arrive in 2022, the Bulldogs have already locked in Flanagan, Raiders and NSW winger Nic Cotric, former Panther Jack Hetherington, and Manly forward Corey Waddell for next season.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
