Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has backed Matt Burton’s Game Three Origin selection at centre following Latrell Mitchell’s expected unavailability for the decider at Suncorp due to a foot injury.
Burton was sensational in Canterbury’s 13-12 golden point win over the Warriors with the 24-year-old’s 88th minute field goal icing a thriller at Accor Stadium.
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“I’m sure if he’s given the opportunity he will be ready to do the job,” Ciraldo said post-game.
“He played centre a couple of weeks ago so it’s not like it’s that foreign to him from years back or anything like that.
“His mindset at the end of the game the past few weeks – he’s not flustered at the end of games and he puts into practice what he’s been doing at training so he’ll be ready if given the opportunity.”
Bulldogs teammate and Origin centre Stephen Crichton also threw his support behind an Origin recall.
“A hundred per cent,” Crichton said.
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“He didn’t shy away from trusting his process and he’s done the same before playing centre as well.
“He knows how to defend at centre so I definitely have confidence if he is selected at left centre.”
Crichton said he had not yet discussed Burton’s possible Origin recall and said he would do an admirable job after playing Games Two and Three at centre for the Blues in 2022.
“I think he’s just concentrating on our team’s performance because I know he’s got a lot in his head with our game plans and how we want him to play for our team,” he said.
“We don’t really talk about that outside noise and that comes off how well we play here as a club and team as well.
“He’s all in for what we need for the team and everything that comes after that like Origin selection is just a bonus.
“He’s done the job before so it’s not like it’s new to him. He’s played State of Origin before and can only get better.”