When Benji Marshall threw the famed flick pass to Pat Richards in Wests Tigers' 2005 NRL grand final win, it inspired a generation.
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That's not hyperbole. Ask someone who was a young kid watching then and there's no doubt they'll mention it as one of their favourite footy memories.
Matt Burton was only a five-year-old kid at home in Dubbo when the pass was thrown and it's not something he clearly remembers, but it's a moment that stuck with him.
Like so many other youngsters, Burton idolised Marshall and his fast feet, ability to step past defenders with ease, and his catalogue of magic moments.
That's why Sunday's NRL match at Apex Oval will be special for the now 21-year-old Burton.
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Not only does he get the chance to run out at his home ground with the Penrith Panthers, but Burton will be taking on a South Sydney side which has Marshall in its ranks.
"It will be great to come up against him," St John's junior Burton said.
"I'm really looking forward to that and he was my idol growing up so I'm looking forward to stepping on the field with him.
"That and obviously the occasion in Dubbo so I'm really looking forward to it."
When chatting to the media this week in the lead-up to Sunday's blockbuster match, Burton admitted there was too many highlight-worthy moments from Marshall and another of his favourites, Shaun Johnson, to choose from.
"He's such a quality player," Burton added.
The Panthers half-turned-centre laughed when saying he was hopeful he'd get the chance to introduce himself and have a chat with Marshall after Sunday's match.
I'm really grateful to just be part of the team and be playing good footy at the moment.
- Matt Burton
And while he holds the former New Zealand international captain in high regard, he's also aware the threat he will pose on Sunday.
Many fans had considered Marshall's career over after he departed the Wests Tigers for a second time at the end of last season.
But the Rabbitohs threw him a lifeline and it's proved a shrewd acquisition.
Marshall has had to step up to the plate this season and play more minutes than many expected as the Rabbitohs have dealt with injuries in the halves and the suspension of star fullback Latrell Mitchell.
The one-time international player has delivered as Souths head into Sunday's match sitting fourth on the ladder with only two losses to their names in the first 10 rounds.
And while Burton knows the Rabbitohs quality, he's been in scintillating form himself this year and will be one of the Panthers' biggest threats on Sunday.
He's even been touted as some as potential State of Origin smokey for NSW given his form and he'll start in the centres again at Apex Oval as the Panthers chase an 11th straight win to start the season.
"We'll just keep building and working as a team. You'd love for it to keep going," Burton said of the streak.
"I'm really grateful to just be part of the team and be playing good footy at the moment."
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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.
