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Burton another playmaking option for NSW

3 minute read

NSW coach Brad Fittler hopes the inclusion of Matt Burton in the State of Origin side can help the Blues to overcome Queensland's kick pressure in game two.

BRAD FITTLER.
BRAD FITTLER. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

NSW coach Brad Fittler hopes State of Origin debutant Matt Burton could ease the pressure off Nathan Cleary by providing the Blues with another playmaking option in the second game of the series.

Fittler entrusted halfback Cleary with the majority of kicking duties in Origin I but the decision backfired. Cleary put up 20 of the Blues' 26 kicks but the Maroons stopped him from dictating the terms of the contest the way he does at club level for Penrith.

"One thing Queensland did really well was put pressure on our kickers," Fittler conceded.

"One thing we could have done was have other (playmaking) options. We didn't play that part of the game very well."

Burton has been called in to replace Jack Wighton (COVID-19) at left centre but has shown off an impressive kicking game playing five-eighth for Canterbury all year.

Burton's bombs and long-range kicks have been particularly impressive and could feature in Origin II, which the Blues must win on June 26 to keep their hopes of a series victory alive.

"Given what he kicked yesterday (for the Bulldogs against Wests Tigers), I hope he kicks one at least," Fittler said.

Burton played at left centre in Penrith's 2021 premiership win and said he looked forward to reuniting with the seven Panthers set to be named in the side for game two.

"It obviously helps having the combinations there from previous years," he said.

"It should be good to get into camp and see them all again and put in the hard work."

Burton will need to impress Fittler to keep Wighton out of the side for game three. The Canberra five-eighth scored the Blues' first try from left centre in the series opener and threatened to cross again all night.

"I thought he (Wighton) was our best player. He was really strong," Fittler said.

"I'm really disappointed for him. There was movement around him being able to play but he's been pretty crook."

The centre pairing of Burton and Stephen Crichton have just one game of Origin experience between them but Fittler said he had no regrets opting not to rush South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell back from a long-term hamstring injury.

"Latrell didn't want to rush either," he said.

"He's quite aware that his responsibility is to himself and South Sydney first. When he gets that right, he's a good chance to play for NSW."

The Blues travel to Perth on Monday so will have nearly a week in camp to plot the Maroons' downfall.

"We wanted to get over there to acclimatise and take in the whole experience," Fittler said.

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