Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton is optimistic his team's surge up the NRL ladder will lead to a NSW Blues recall.
The versatile back made his State of Origin debut in 2022 however he was unable to add to his two appearances last season.
Burto bringing his best
Burton was 18th-man for the first two games of the series before he was overlooked for a position in the centres as Tom Trbojoevic's replacement for Game Three.
The playmaker has played a key role in the Bulldogs resurgence this season and he's hopeful new NSW coach Michael Maguire rewards his recent form with a Blues call up.
"I've had a taste of it," Burton said. "It'll be nice to get back in there. I'll just keep doing what's best for the [Bulldogs] and hopefully something comes from that.
"I'm just trying to get better each game, trying to implement little things I can work on but I feel like I'm getting there."
Burton's versatility shapes as his biggest asset in the selection debate, with the 24-year-old able to play multiple positions.
The playmaker's two Origin appearances came in the centres, while he currently plays five-eighth for the Bulldogs and provides cover across the field if named as a bench utility.
Burton said he's willing to play any position, while his club coach Cameron Ciraldo declared his star belongs in a sky blue jumper.
Burton the hat-trick hero
"Matt Burton at his best should be in those teams but that's up to Burto," Ciraldo said.
"Everyone's searching for consistency and if Burto finds that consistency and does it for 80 minutes and does it for a few weeks in a row, then we won't be talking about if he's in those teams, he will be in those teams."
Match: Panthers v Bulldogs
Round 10 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Bulldogs
11th Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
While eager to see Burton achieve representative honours, Ciraldo recognises the importance of his five-eighth to the Bulldogs' premiership credentials.
Canterbury currently sit eighth on the ladder ahead of a showdown with the Panthers at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.
Burton is one of multiple former Penrith players in the Bulldogs squad and Ciraldo said Burton's continued growth will play a key role in his team's quest to play finals football.
"He's still got a way to go," Ciraldo said. "We're on the journey with him. He's improved a lot of things this year and I'm really excited to see him reach his potential. I know if he does that, we will be a better team for it."
