‘On the hit list’: Burton in Rugby Australia’s sights as Wallabies plot another NRL raid

Ahead of the 2003 World Cup the Wallabies pinched three of the NRL’s biggest players.

Now Rugby Australia, with a British and Irish Lions series in 2025 and a World Cup in 2027 to be played on home soil, wants to do it again.

One of the targets on Rugby Australia’s hit list is NSW Blues back Matt Burton.

RA chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the governing body was interested in luring the Blues back to the game when his contract expires with the Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of 2023.

“Burton is on the hit list created by Rugby Australia’s high performance committee for Andy Marinos (Rugby Australia CEO),” McLennan told foxsports.com.au.

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‘Totally ridiculous’ – Freddy SLAMS ref | 01:05

The versatile back, who plays five-eighth for the Bulldogs but can play at fullback and centre, is understood not to want to take up a one-year extension with the Bulldogs at the end of next year having made the move from Penrith.

One of Burton’s strengths is his versatility, but his extraordinary booming kick offers him a point of difference.

Nor is there a concern over his injury history, with the Blues centre, who starred during State of Origin 2 in Perth on debut, a physical presence standing in the front-line.

Burton, 22, played rugby at school and grew up in the bush.

Burton “Worth closer to a Million!” | 01:54

He would command a $1 million deal, but given his pedigree and versatility it could be a strong strategic play particularly given the Wallabies have few options at fullback.

Also on Rugby Australia’s hit list is Roosters star Joseph Suaalii, who starred at schoolboy level where he attended The King’s College.

With a Lions series and home World Cup to look forward to, RA is expected to bank $100m.

With private equity around the corner too, the governing body is assessing whether to try and lure a couple of big names to the sport to help generate more media exposure and success on the field.

Two of the Wallabies’ past three NRL converts – Israel Folau and Marika Koroibete – became household names and won the John Eales Medal a combined four times.

The latest recruit, Suliasi Vunivalu, was named to make his debut off the bench for the Wallabies on Saturday against England at the SCG.