Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs star Matt Burton and his manager David Riolo have made their decision as November 1 approaches.

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According to 9News’ Danny Weidler: “Bulldogs centre Matt Burton will head to November 1 as a 2028 free agent.

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“Manager David Riolo sent a list of clients available to talk to from November 1 to clubs and Burton’s name was on that list.”

Burton played 23 games for the Bulldogs this season, scoring nine tries and 23 goals, with the Bulldogs finishing 12th.

The latest development comes after Burton recently said he will “see what happens” regarding his future amid constant speculation, adding he was open to “play anywhere”, whether that be in the No.6 jersey or in another role.

BUNNIES $2M MOVE TO LOCK UP CORE

The Bunnies are expected to soon announce a huge retention win following reports they’ve inked forward Tallis Duncan to a bumper multi-year deal.

Duncan, who can make a strong case for the NRL’s most improved player in 2026, has always signalled a desire to stay put and it appears he’ll get his wish.

According to CODE Sports, the two parties have agreed to a deal worth north of $2 million plus ratchet clauses over three seasons.

Duncan would have been a hot commodity had he hit the open market on November 1, but Souths were never going to let that happen.

The 24-year-old will receive around $750,000 a season under the new deal per reports.

Souths are also expected to soon announce the re-signing of barnstorming forward David Fifita, who impressed in his first season for the club.

The versatile Jamie Humpherys is also on the verge of inking a new deal with Souths.

Regarding superstar Latrell Mitchell, the club are happy to park extension talks until next year.

That’ll mean Mitchell will hit the open market in November and be able to negotiate with rival clubs if he wishes to.

The Bears are already preparing to throw the kitchen sink at Mitchell but it’s unclear if he’d entertain a move away from the Bunnies.

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RAIDERS’ RADICAL PLAY FOR SUPERSTAR AMID BUSY WEEK FOR CLUB

The Raiders have upped the ante in their bid to keep Hudson Young in the nation’s capital, with Canberra set to add another year to their initial big-money offer.

The club have already tabled a three-year, $3.3 million deal to Young to keep him from joining the PNG Chiefs in 2028 but according to the SMH, that offer has reportedly increased to $4.4 million over four years.

Young is current holidaying and will meet with the Raiders next week to discuss the increased offer.

If he accepts Canberra’s bumper deal, Young will be locked down at the Raiders until the end of 2031.

The Raiders are hoping it’s enough to stave off the Chiefs’ interest.

PNG were considered the red-hot favourites to land Young, but the NRL’s 19th franchise baulked after the league stepped in and told the Chiefs they had to register any contract for Young at his market value of $1.1 million given that’s the yearly figure Canberra have offered the back rower.

It is understood the Chiefs were willing to sign Young for $900,000. That would still mean a take-home pay amount greater than what he’d earn at Canberra due to the tax breaks afforded to all Chiefs player contracts.

While Young’s future in Canberra is uncertain, that isn’t the case for emerging edge forward Matty Nicholson.

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The Canberra Times have reported that Nicholson has agreed to terms on a three-year extension with the club until the end of 2030.

The UK international has been cruelled by injuries in his first two seasons at the Raiders, but when he’s seen the field, he’s shown off an impressive skill set and should be a crucial cog for Ricky Stuart going forward.

In what has been a busy week for the club, there is some bad news for Canberra supporters, with fan favourite Tom Starling set to depart.

Starling will reportedly link up with the Kevin Walters-led St Helens from next season on a three-year deal according to CODE Sports.

The Sea Eagles were said to be interested in the crafty rake, but Starling will instead head abroad to continue his career.

In a double win for the Super League club, St Helens have also signed halfback Sean O’Sullivan for 2028.