New South Wales aspirant Matt Burton has conveyed to Michael Maguire his readiness to adapt to any role as the Blues coach deliberates over his squad selection for Game I. Burton showcased his talents on Thursday night, delivering a flawless Origin audition with two tries in Canterbury’s commanding 44-12 victory over St George Illawarra.
Burton is considered a versatile option for the Blues, capable of slotting into either the centre or five-eighth positions, areas where New South Wales currently faces depth challenges ahead of the series opener on June 5. Nicho Hynes appears a strong contender for the halfback role, given his stellar form for the ladder-leading Sharks.
However, the five-eighth position presents a more complex decision. With key playmakers Nathan Cleary, Mitch Moses, and Adam Reynolds sidelined due to injuries, Burton finds himself in competition with Penrith’s Jarome Luai and Souths’ Cody Walker for the No.6 jersey, though Walker’s availability may be in question due to a calf concern.
While Burton’s proficiency in the centres is recognized, further bolstered by injuries to other contenders like Bradman Best, Kotoni Staggs, Tom Trbojevic, and Campbell Graham, there’s also speculation of utilizing him as a bench utility to mitigate risks of in-game injuries.
Following yet another standout performance, where his kicking and playmaking skills shone, Burton reaffirmed his willingness to contribute wherever needed. “I’ve been focusing on giving my all for the team here. If the opportunity arises for Origin, I’ll be ecstatic,” Burton expressed.
“I’ve had significant experience at centre in previous years, so it feels like second nature to me. I’m adaptable and ready to contribute in any capacity,” he added. “Versatility is key, and I’m hopeful for that call-up. Let’s see how it unfolds.”
Feeling more prepared for Origin than ever before, Burton is confident in his ability to make an impact if given the chance. “My previous experiences have shaped me, and I believe I’m more mature and ready for this challenge,” he remarked. “Improvements in my overall game, particularly in support play and effort areas, give me confidence.”
Meanwhile, Latrell Mitchell has signaled his readiness for a potential Blues comeback, despite recent doubts surrounding his availability. While Mitchell’s selection remains uncertain, his recent form resurgence underscores his enduring threat on the field, adding another layer of intrigue to New South Wales’ selection dilemma.
