Joel Caine believes Penrith utility Matt Burton’s best shot at a premiership in the near future is happening right now in front of him with the youngster starring for the Panthers last Thursday from centre.

A star half in the making, Burton is contracted to the struggling Bulldogs for 2022.

Canterbury want the Panthers to release Burton early but it may work out for him if he sees out his time at the foot of the mountains.

“Even if the club’s starting halves are fit and firing later in the year, you’d have to think Burton is a massive chance to at least play a role in the 17 for the Panthers once the whips are cracking,” Caine wrote for the SEN website.

“For Burton, the only chance he has of playing in a Grand Final in the near future is through honouring his current contract, and it may turn out to be the best decision he’ll ever make.”