The hard-running back-rower believed his NRL career was finished after incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan told him he wasn’t required at St George Illawarra for 2024.
Billy Burns, originally from the NSW country town of Parkes, had played 41 first-grade games across stints with the Dragons and Penrith Panthers but had never cemented himself as a regular starter.
Facing an uncertain future, he considered leaving rugby league altogether.
If not for the faith of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, Billy Burns might be working in the mines or on a construction site this week instead of gearing up for Cronulla’s NRL semi-final clash.
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“I sort of thought I was going to be out the back door there, thought I was going to be back working,” Burns told AAP.
“I didn’t really have any skills going for me, I didn’t think I needed it at 25. Maybe (I would’ve worked as) a tradie or in the mines.”
Everything shifted when Fitzgibbon offered Burns a one-year deal for the 2024 season, taking a gamble on the rangy forward.
Burns impressed in just four appearances, securing a contract extension and becoming a consistent contributor amid injuries and suspensions to Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora.
The 26-year-old admits that coming so close to life outside the NRL has been a powerful motivator.
“I think maybe I just feel like a part of me is playing a bit on borrowed time,” he said.
“‘Fitzy’ sort of gave me a bit of a lifeline there. I’ve landed on my two feet here and I’m feeling confident and feel the belief from him.”
Burns’ breakout form has been so strong that he kept Nikora on the bench when the star second-rower returned from suspension in last week’s elimination final win over the Sydney Roosters.
He will again start for Cronulla Sharks in their semi-final against Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.
Saturday night’s match will mark Burns’ 16th NRL appearance this season, the most in a single year of his career.
“I’m ready if (Fitzgibbon) wants me to start again, if he wants me to come off the bench, if I have to be 18th man,” he said.
“I’m just ready to help this team win. We’re in a good position to do that.
“I love being around the boys. You could definitely take it for granted but I don’t, I try not to do that. I’m trying to stay humble with it and attack every day.”