He's not the headline grabbing player his teammates are or a veteran of representative matches. He's a player every team has to have. Consistent, reliable, cool head, experienced, they are the words that come to mind when you think of Luke Burt. One of the few who have played over 250 games in the Blue and Gold and the leading Parramatta try-scorer. However, even with his impressive try scoring record and point scoring ability, Burt's always flown under the radar. He's come a long way from being a 17 year old surfie from Newcastle, debuting in front of over 104,000 people. His exploits are rarely known outside of the Blue and Gold circle. Having only played 1 match for the Prime Minister's XIII and 1 match for Country Origin, Burt's always been seen as nothing more than a club player. His small frame belies his heart and his ability, he's a crowd favourite out at Parramatta Stadium.
Burt grew up in the Hunter region, close to the beach. He was going through the Newcastle juniors until he was unearthed by the Eels. Making the long haul trips down to Parramatta for training became customary for Burt. In 1999 all his hard work came to fruition. He was told mid-week by then coach Brian Smith that he would make his First Grade debut off the bench against St George Illawarra at the newly built Olympic Stadium. At the age of 17 years and 9 months, Burt was the youngest ever player to pull on the blue and gold. His ability always belied his age. He was a player who was always a couple of plays ahead of his opposition, a constantly thinking player. Then again, at his age and size, he needed to be ahead of his bigger opponents. Although preferring to play at fullback Burt became a regular fixture at both centre and on the wing. Although, his ability to think and plan ahead would probably have better suited him playing in the halves, in another life he probably would've.
As Burt grew in experience he found his groove. He became Mr. Fix-it in the backline. If there was an injury Burt was the man to cover it. Other than that, Burt was a regular on the wing. A no frills player, he made a reputation for being a terrific finisher. He didn't always have size on his side but he had enough skill, speed and guile to beat the biggest backs. As his career went on Burt began bouncing between both wing and fullback. At fullback he became known for his support play. One thing that Burt became known for was his goal kicking. Ever dependable, if you wanted a man kicking for you, it was Burt.
In 2007 Burt had one of his best seasons. He led the point scoring competition until a knee injury cruelled his season. In the same season Burt made the number 1 jersey his own. With Parramatta having a number of players who could offload, Burt became one of the best support players in the competition. If Mateo or Cayless hit the ball up you bet your bottom dollar Burt was trailing through, sniffing for an offload. Burt hasn't lost a lot of his speed since his younger days, what he has lost are his blonde locks. As part of the 2009 team, Burt enjoyed being in a team that offloaded at will and along with his teammates his confidence grew. He played alongside his great mates Nathan Cayless and Hindmarsh in the 2009 Grand Final, but again missed out on glory.
2010 proved to be one of Burt's best and he was rewarded with selection in the Country Origin team, scoring 16 points in the match. Although, that season will be forever remembered for the missed penalty goal against the Tigers. Luke Burt has always been Mr. Consistent in the Parramatta team. He was never a man to let his team down. He's always been prepared to put his body on the line and do what's best for the team. He's also been the ultimate professional. When he was dropped to Wenty earlier in the year, Burt set about and scored a bucket load of points and forced his way back into the team. Burt will retire with the Parramatta try-scoring record to his name. He broke it last season when he scored the match winning try against the Cowboys. This season Burt is the competition's most successful goal kicker with over a 90% success rate. He will retire at the end of the season with good friend and teammate Nathan Hindmarsh. For a man his size to survive for as long as he has in the modern game is a testament to his professionalism and ability.
Replies
no way in the world mate he is part of the weakness we have, every time some one runs near him he moves out the way and then falls over! he is near every tried scored. i really like the guy and i hope they look after him hopefully sales or barbeque man!
Did you even read the entirety of my blog? This is more a summation of his career. I've done one for Hindy and several other players.
Did someone mention Burty. Great summary of his career.
To all the Burt knockers how come he is one of the few in the side still able to score a try. In a better side he would be still be going ok and what about his goal kicking. His uncanny gift of reading the game is still working. Some of you so called experts seem to only want flasy players built over 115 kgs. I know the game is changing.
Have you experts ever played at a professional level. Not easy to remain this long on top if you dont have talent. By the way I think Sharks and Panthers wanted him earlier this year.
One of the reasons I am a fan of Burts is that twinkle is his eye and body language he gets before anyone else does when he knows a try is on and thats what I will miss the most. I dont see it in other players. Well done Luke Burt.
if i was to play proffesionally i would f@cking sack myself if i made half arse attempted tackles, when he played the knights and naqauima made that break that has been his action for a tackling technique! i was quite bemused ok i will admit it would be hard to stop him but mate ive seen burty doing that for years now he has no heart when tackling,also when running back he gets smashed do you not see that or something? he plays the ball f@cking slow he feeds of the burty fans and hangs on to a first grade spot because of this legend myth! he was ok as a younger guy but i think he is just 30 and to tell you the truth a legend is some one like lockyer playing at the top level untill 34 or so, i mean burt should be playing out of his skin hes only 30!!!! you will say oh but he is playing in a shit team yes he is why the team is shit because he makes half arse attempted tackles and runs like a turtle! i wish i was with the legend burty thing but fair dinkum its hard to pretend he is a legend.
When it comes to wingers with little ability, Burt is without peer..............the bloke is perhaps a gentleman off the field, but the problem is he is also a gentle man on the field. The bloke is a buttercup, and softer than a tissue. Hopefully the great game of Rugby League has seen the last of his breed......fairies dont belong in the game, i say goodbye and good riddance Burty. The game will be better without u.
The above snippet was filed by : Egg on a parra fan 1st edition.
Says the man who's club started with Goodwin, Lett and Turner for wingers this year.
i have to agree this top dawg f@ck head is looking at him with out glasses and he is right! f@ck u top dick...
Hopefully the poor bugger can find some red hot form in the end of the season to go out on a better note than what he has dished up over last 2 weeks.
1733 Points, 8th highest point scorer ever.. Doubt he will get to Eric Simms who comes next at 1841 points; Burty still has a year left in him, but oh well!
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