Matt Burton has signed a contract extension that will keep him at NRL club Canterbury until at least the end of 2027.
The 22-year-old, who was entering the final year of his previous deal, had been free to negotiate with rival clubs since November 1 but will be staying put to help the club chart a course up the ladder under ex-Penrith assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Burton moved to the Bulldogs immediately after winning the 2021 grand final with Penrith and enjoyed a strong debut season at his new side, earning State of Origin and international selection for the first time.
He flourished in his switch from centre to five-eighth, displaying an impressive high kicking game as the Bulldogs revamped their attack under interim coach Mick Potter.
With ousted coach Trent Barrett having persuaded him to move from the Panthers, there had been some speculation Burton could look elsewhere after his first contract with the club expired.
Burton's kicking game has even led to him being linked with a code switch to the NFL but the Dubbo product said a move away from Belmore was never on his mind.
"I couldn't picture myself anywhere else," he said. "The club is on the up and I'm keen to be a part of this next chapter for the Bulldogs.
"We've got the new coach in now and I'm really excited to work with him again. He's a great coach and I'm looking forward to taking my game to the next level with his guidance."
Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said retaining Burton was a big step towards breaking the club's' premiership drought, which will enter its 19th year this season.
"We have been building towards a vision of success and stability, and the long-term signing of someone as talented as Matt reinforces the direction that we are headed in," he said.
"He has a great relationship with head coach Cameron Ciraldo and we have only just seen the beginnings of his potential."
