The Bulldogs future of Matt Burton is cloudy, with a Queensland team linked to the versatile 25-year-old.

With Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould predicting young half Mitch Woods will be given a crack early next season alongside Lachlan Galvin in the halves, Burton’s place in the side is in some doubt.

Burton could move into the centres or even fullback, but that would mean one of Connor Tracey or Bronson Xerri has to make way.

Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

“This is an interesting one. If Mitch Woods does play seven as expected and Lachlan Galvin to six, where does it leave Matt Burton?,” NRL360 host Braith Anasta wondered.

“You’ve got Crichton, you’ve got Xerri. Is Connor Tracey the fall guy? Do they put Crichton or Burton at fullback? Do they test that out?

“Where does it leave Matt Burton. There have been rumours around the Perth Bears.”

The led to The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie interjecting with the Cowboys as a club that has been linked to Burton.

Burton is under contract at the Dogs until the end of 2027, but as the club showed this season, they aren’t afraid to make a huge roster call.

How should the Dogs line up next year? | 02:14

MORE NRL NEWS

2025 BREAKOUT STARS: Eels’ gamble pays off; Red V mistake proves costly

RESSIES WRAP: Cobbo’s timely return; Tuaupiki masterclass sends Warriors to GF

CRAWLS: Ciraldo owes Dogs fans apology; dream clash is Broncos’ ‘worst nightmare’

“The Cowboys. There are rumours circulating,” Ritchie reported.

“There’s a lot of speculation. I think he might be moved on at some stage in the next year or two.”

Foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley says it wouldn’t be the right decision to shift Burton out of five-eighth and replace him with Galvin, let alone move him on early

“Galvin is a really, really exciting talent. As a five-eighth, even more exciting than as halfback. But is he a better five-eighth than Matt Burton at this stage?” Crawley said.

“His kicking game is not ready to take over from Matt Burton. It’s just nit. We saw it on the weekend, he does not have the kicking game to be elite at that level.

If the Bulldogs are going to return to their best next year, surely Matt Burton is the five-eighth but it doesn’t sound like it will be.”