IS THIS DUBBO’S PROUDEST DAD?

It all started as a laugh when a mate made up business cards for Guy ‘Gutz’ Burton to let the world know he was the father of NRL superstar Matt Burton, but now Dubbo’s proudest dad says the cards have sparked plenty of great conversations.

“It started off as a bit of banter and I’ve met people across the country involved in rugby league and I hand the card to them, it’s great,” he told Dubbo Photo News.

The proud dad says he’s been incredibly heartened by people telling him how much enjoyment they get from the way Matt conducts himself, both on and off the footy field.

“From the kids, right through to all the mums and dads, they’re right behind him, I’ve never had anyone say a bad thing about my boy so it makes me very proud.

“He always gives me a bell on Father’s Day as most young fellas do so I’ll be looking forward to that call on Sunday and hopefully he’ll put in a good game on Friday night for the last round.”

He said he’s been surprised at how so many commentators and members of the public remark how Matt Burton’s kicking ability has changed an aspect of the game, prompting so many other halves and fullbacks to swap easily caught drop-punts for gnarly, towering torpedoes which are often almost impossible to catch.

That’s not to mention his Aussie Rules’ style drop punts which give a lead to teammate Josh Addocarr to run onto the ball when he’s flying down the Wing.

“There’s a lot of different aspects to the game, kicking’s always been a part of it but Matt’s taken it to the next level and a lot of other Codes are interested in his game as well.”