{"id":6935,"date":"2026-02-28T00:12:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T00:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=6935"},"modified":"2026-02-28T00:12:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T00:12:44","slug":"australian-rugby-star-matt-burton-drawing-nfl-scouts-attention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=6935","title":{"rendered":"Australian rugby star Matt Burton drawing NFL scouts&#8217; attention"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>LAS VEGAS \u2014 The NFL\u2019s annual Scouting Combine has been taking place this week in Indianapolis, and there\u2019s a good argument to be made that Matt Burton should have been there.<\/p>\n<p>Burton, however, has been busy this week in Las Vegas helping the Canterbury Bulldogs prepare for their season-opening match against the St. George Illawarra Dragons at 11:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.<\/p>\n<p>The 25-year-old Australian rugby league star has a number of NFL scouts keeping a close eye on him as a punter in the league, which has had a number of highly successful punters over the years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"38628442\"><br \/>\n\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3455979;display:block\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"38628442\" width=\"794\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Matt Burton of the Bulldogs during a rugby league training session.\" class=\"wp-image-38628442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 3500w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=300,223&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=768,571&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=1024,761&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=1536,1142&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=2048,1523&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=600,446&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=792,589&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 792w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=667,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 667w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=576,428&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=440,327&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=379,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 379w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=180,134&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=96,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 96w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=54,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 54w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=94,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 94w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=73,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 73w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=200,149&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=231,172&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=322,239&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=593,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 593w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=81,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 81w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=108,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 108w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=1200,892&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=78,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 78w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=210,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 210w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=50,37&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/matt-burton-bulldogs-warms-ahead-122125798.jpg?resize=150,112&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 794px) 100vw, 794px\"\/><figcaption>Matt Burton is pictured during a Canterbury Bulldogs NRL training session Feb. 24. <span class=\"credit\">Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are several Aussie punters active in the league, including Michael Dickson from the Seahawks, who <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/08\/sports\/seahawks-dominate-drake-maye-patriots-to-win-super-bowl-2026\/\">just won the Super Bowl<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Burton wowed onlookers this week when he hit the 110-foot roof of the Raiders practice facility with a punt.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>Las Vegas guard Caleb Rogers said in an interview this week that Raiders punter AJ Cole hasn\u2019t even done that, saying, \u201cWe specifically built this indoor area to the height it is so we stay away from that issue.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Rogers said Burton\u2019s kick \u201cwas really cool to see. I saw the video of his 68-yard kick, which was incredible. If [Burton] wanted to get into [the NFL], it would be a great story. If he wanted to come over here, someone is going to give him a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"38628501\"><br \/>\n\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.65;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"38628501\" width=\"384\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"The NRL schedule is pictured.\" class=\"wp-image-38628501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 468w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=195,300&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 195w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=390,600&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 390w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=383,589&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 383w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=322,495&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=419,644&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 419w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=319,491&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 319w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=183,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 183w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=134,206&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 134w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=46,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 46w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=26,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 26w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=35,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 35w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=130,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 130w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=231,355&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=300,462&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=287,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 287w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=39,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 39w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=52,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 52w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=38,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 38w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=101,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 101w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=33,50&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 33w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/27s.nrl_tv_sked_720_018f58.jpg?resize=150,231&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\"\/><figcaption>The NRL schedule.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Dickson, speaking to the Australian Associated Press, agreed with Rogers\u2019 assertion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sure he could do it,\u201d the Seattle punter said. \u201cIt\u2019s quite different to Aussie Rules and [rugby] league. The sweet spot [on the ball] is completely different. He would eventually find the sweet spot kicking an NFL ball. [In the NFL], you might only get three or four punts a game, and if one or two of them aren\u2019t perfect, then 50 percent of your game wasn\u2019t up to standard.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s very easy to hit one good punt. But it\u2019s really quite difficult to have a year where out of 70 punts, 65 of them are really good punts. That\u2019s a very hard thing to do. You\u2019ve got to have a big leg, and you have to be somewhat delusional in the game. A lot of the time, you\u2019re going out there when the game\u2019s not going well, the offense wasn\u2019t doing their thing. You need to go out there and think, \u2018I\u2019m about to flip this game.\u2019 \u2019\u2019<\/p>\n<p>NFL scouts are interested in Burton, but his current contract expires at the end of the 2027 season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/27\/sports\/australian-rugby-star-matt-burton-drawing-nfl-scouts-attention\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LAS VEGAS \u2014 The NFL\u2019s annual Scouting Combine has been taking place this week in Indianapolis, and there\u2019s a good argument to be made that Matt&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6936,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}