Matt Burton is one of the best paid rugby players on the planet.
Matt Burton’s huge kicks are so impressive they are nicknamed ‘The Burton Bomb’, and there is one kick in particular which played a part in him earning that title.
Twenty-five-year-old Burton is a five-eighth for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League Down Under.
The kick in question came against Queensland Maroons, with Burton representing New South Wales Blues in the State Of Origin series.
Under pressure from a Maroons player, Burton shaped to kick. Already well-acquainted to his colossal punts, the commentator said with anticipation: “Here we go!”
Little did they know, this kick would be something truly special.
Burton’s strike tore through the night sky like a missile, with the commentators absolutely gob-smacked at the effort.
The cameras could barely keep track of the ball as it continued to rise.
“Oh my…,” began the co-commentator.
“We have a problem!” exclaimed the commentator. “It’s up there forever! It’s the highest kick in history!”
Maroons players sprawled to regather the descending ball, in a hopeless effort. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Watch the kick below.
As it goes, Burton has a pretty valuable boot, too. He is one of the best paid rugby players across both codes, earning close to £500,000 per season.
Affectionately known as ‘Burto’, he made his debut for Penrith Panthers almost six years ago, and has gone on to become one of the most important players in NRL.
So far in his career, Burton has scored 39 tries in 104 appearances at Bulldogs.
The NRL season began in March, but Burton has only played two games due to an injury, but its expected to make his return this weekend when Bulldogs face Rabbitohs in front of 70,000 spectators on Good Friday.
