Burton would be a 'wonderful' addition, says new Bears CEO

New Perth Bears CEO Tony Rea believes Matt Burton would be a great addition for the fledgling club should he leave the Bulldogs and move west.

Since being handed their NRL licence in 2025, the Bears have landed several Origin representatives such as Corey Horsburgh and Gehamat Shibasaki but have been unable to land their marquee signing to build around their club despite several attempts.

With Burton contracted until 2027, there has been plenty of speculation about where his playing future lies, having become a free agent since November 1.

The main contender for his services has been Perth. The expansion side has recently had the NSW representative tour the club’s facilities in the hopes that he would join ahead of their second season in 2028 as their big-name signing.

And while the former North Sydney Bears player has not spoken to the club’s football department, he does believe the 26-year-old offers what the club needs in its early stages.

“I'm not in any of those conversations around football as you would understand, (I’ve) just come in, and they've got a process they're going through,” Rea told SEN’s Kick Off.

“Matt Burton's a heck of a player. We've had some conversations socially around what you'd think, and I think he'd be a wonderful guy to have in the place.

“I think he's got great character. He's got everything the club is looking for, so it would be a good idea to be having that conversation.”

Perth begins their life in the NRL next season with their opening fixture yet to be confirmed.