Skyrockets in flight: A moment of genius in Burton’s breathtaking debut

More than once during the week’s NSW training runs, the call of “skyrocket” rang out before a game scenario that saw play set up for Burton to cannon the ball 60 metres and more downfield.

The Bulldogs star handled the added kicking responsibility on his ear despite being “more nervous than I’ve ever been” leading into kick-off.

But left-edge partner and one-time Panthers teammate Jarome Luai said a strong debut was never in doubt given Burton’s temperament.

Blues rookies Siosifa Talakai and Matt Burton soak up a resounding win.Credit:Getty

“I don’t think he feels the nerves at all – if he does, it doesn’t show,” Luai said.

“He’s played in a few big games now and he’s killed it. I had no doubt, there was no worry about him before the game and whether he was ready or not.

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“Those skills he’s got, they’re pretty rare and it’s only the best of the best that can do it. His boot is crazy and everyone talks about it, but it probably overshadows some of his other skills that are really quality.

“He’s a footy player, he stepped up and he was one of our best tonight.”

Mitchell had been sized up by many as an automatic recall once his return from a hamstring injury, already once delayed by a bout of COVID-19.

But Burton’s impressive debut has raised the prospect of Mitchell being kept on ice for the July 13 decider, the Rabbitohs gun endorsing Burton’s incumbency in an Instagram comment after full-time.

Latrell Mitchell endorses Matt Burton for Origin III.Credit:Instagram

Jack Wighton’s return from his own COVID-19 diagnosis as well only thickens the selection plot after he was NSW’s best at left centre in Origin I.

The old Panthers connection with Luai, Cleary, To’o and Liam Martin helped put Burton at ease in the Origin arena and is another consideration for Fittler and his coaching staff.

“They’re freakish talents – Jarome, Bizza and Marto,” Burton said.

“They do everything at 100 per cent and made my job pretty easy to just slot in there.

“It’s a privilege to put this jersey on and I’ll just keep working hard, and hopefully get the call up next game.”

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