Matt Burton's Heartwarming Act After Young Fan's Signed Footy Boots Get Stolen

Matt Burton, we salute you sir.

The Penrith Panthers star's scintillating form has lead many to believe he's worthy of an Origin debut - and rightly so.

But while his on-field performances have put a smile on the faces of Panthers fans this season, it seems the stuff he's been doing off the field is equally as impressive.

And this latest act of kindness proves just what kind of bloke Burton really is.

PA

Following last weekend's victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in his hometown of Dubbo, Penrith centre Stephen Crichton handed pair of his game-worn boots to 13-year-old Charlie Sutton.

The lifelong Panthers fan, who has been nursing a broken arm, was absolutely buzzing after receiving the boots from Crichton.

But Charlie's joy quickly turned to despair when a man in his mid-20s wearing a Bunnies jumper snatched the gift off him and ran way with them.

"We couldn't believe it - for a grown man to do that to a kid with his arm in plaster who was over the moon one second and shattered the next - it was disgusting," Charlie's aunt Amanda Short told Wide World Of Sport.

"A couple of onlookers even chased after the guy and one grabbed hold of him by the Souths jumper - he just wriggled out of it and kept running - hopefully Karma will get this p***k."

Returning home, Charlie was obviously gutted.

Wanting to reach out for help, Amanda took to social media to post about what had actually happened to her nephew at the game.

Miraculously, Amanda's Facebook post was seen by Burton's mother Lisa who informed her son of the incident involving Charlie.

Then, without any warning, a pair of Burton's signed and match-worn boots showed up on Charlie's doorstep.

"Charlie couldn't believe it when the boots arrived - it restored his faith in life," Amanda added.

"Matt even apologised for not being able to meet Charlie and present him with the boots himself because the team was already back in Sydney.

"Matt Burton, you are a hero - not just for that fabulous hat trick but for showing such compassion to a little kid whose heart had been broken - it means the world to him."

Hats off to Burton.

A weapon of a player on the field, but an even better bloke off it.

What a story.

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry