Posted: 2024-06-11 03:24:38

When Matt Burton hits them the way he wants, there may not be a fullback in rugby league who can handle his swirling bombs.

It might just be that skill that gets him back in the New South Wales side.

The Canterbury playmaker went for the boomer a couple of times in the Bulldogs' win over Parramatta but it was not until just before half-time that he really hit one into the stratosphere.

Eels fullback Clint Gutherson had done a good job under the high ball thus far, but he didn't have a chance on this one.

Burton's ability to change a game with a single bomb makes him a tantalising prospect as an interchange weapon for New South Wales. 

One kick can be all it takes to turn an Origin on its head. And while plenty of players can kick a fine swirling bomb, nobody can do it like Burton.

The 24-year-old has made an effort to play with greater control, especially when it comes to his kicking game.

He thinks he's had bigger kicks than the twisting mind-bender he uncorked on Monday — the towering inferno he launched in his Origin debut in Perth back in 2022 is his pick — but this season Burton has changed his approach on his swirling bombs and has been better for it.

"I'm usually just putting it into the corners, but if I have time and I feel like it's the right time I try to unload. If I feel the opportunity come up I'll definitely take it," Burton said.

"It's practice and awareness of the game, what's right for what time of the game and what the team needs. That's my thought process."

Burton is hitting the swirling bombs less often now but nails them more consistently and he's found a better touch on his kicking game in general — on Monday he hit his third 40/20 of the season, the equal most of any player in the league.

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