Matt Barton: Rugby Star Drawing NFL Attention
LAS VEGAS — The NFL’s scouting combine is happening this week in Indianapolis, and it seems that Matt Barton might be a notable omission from the event.
Instead, Barton is in Las Vegas assisting the Canterbury Bulldogs as they prepare for their season opener against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday at 11:30 PM ET.
At just 25 years old, this Australian Rugby League player has caught the eye of many NFL scouts looking at his potential as a punter, especially in a league known for its successful punters.
There are multiple Australian punters currently in the NFL, including Michael Dixon from the Seahawks, who recently secured a Super Bowl victory.
Barton impressed observers recently by kicking the ball onto the 110-foot roof of the Raiders’ practice facility.
Caleb Rodgers, a guard for the Raiders, remarked in an interview that their own punter, AJ Cole, hasn’t done something like that. “We intentionally developed this indoor space to that height to avoid any issues,” he explained.
Rodgers added, “Watching Barton’s kick was just amazing. I saw the footage of his 68-yard kick, and it was unreal. I think if he wants to give the NFL a shot, it could really be a great story. Someone will definitely give him a chance if he pursues it.”
Mr. Dixon echoed these sentiments when speaking with the Australian Associated Press. “I have no doubt he can do it,” he said. He went on to explain the differences between Australian rules and rugby league, highlighting that the technique for kicking an NFL ball is quite different. “In the NFL, punters might only have a few chances in a game, and not getting those right can really impact performance,” he noted.
Dixon continued, “Sure, hitting one great punt is easy enough, but maintaining that level over a season—like 65 out of 70 good punts—is extremely challenging. It requires precision and a unique mindset, particularly during tough games when you need to influence the outcome.”
While there remains NFL interest in Barton, it’s worth noting that his current contract runs until the end of the 2027 season.
