Fast forward to this weekend and the Dubbo junior will line up in the decider as one of the game's brightest stars.

Burton will again play in the centres on Sunday night when the Panthers meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2021 grand final.

It's going to be the biggest game of the 21-year-old's career, but he believes he is better for having experienced grand final week last year.

"I don't know if there has been much of a change," he said.

"It was good to be part of the squad last year and see how it all was and to get a little taste of it.

"It's obviously great to be in the squad this year and be part of it."

As many young halves did, Burton admired Souths utility Benji Marshall growing up and now has the opportunity to play against the veteran in what could be his last ever NRL match.

"I idolised Benji growing up," he said.

"It should be awesome to come up against him this week.

"I'm looking forward to it."

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Burton has taken his game to new heights this year after failing to earn a spot in the Panthers' top 17 at the start of the season.

He finished as the club's top try-scorer for season and was named at centre in the Dally M Team of the Year.

Despite all he's achieved in such a short time, things will go to another level on Sunday when he plays in a grand final.

"You obviously dream of it as a kid," he said.

"I'm still pinching myself that I'm here and playing in a grand final this weekend."

In what is for sure a bittersweet moment, Sunday will be Burton's last game as a Panther and knows it is going to be a tough club to farewell.

Burton signed a deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prior to the 2021 season and will make the switch to play in his natural position in the halves at Belmore.

"I love the club and the boys have become like brothers to me," he said of Penrith.

"It's going to be sad."

This year started as an interesting one for Burton as the Bulldogs wanted him to leave his Panthers contract early and join them.

However, Penrith opted to keep the young star and it proved to be one of the club's best decisions this season.

"There was a bit of uncertainty where I would be at the start of the year," he said.

"But here I am now.

"I just can't believe it."

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