The St George Illawarra Dragons have extended the contract of fringe back-rower Billy Burns on a one-year deal until the end of 2023.
Burns joined the Red V from Penrith before the 2021 season as part of a swap deal with giant young prop Eddie Blacker, but he has only played 19 games for the club after an injury-plagued year in which he only made four appearances.
The Parkes Spacemen junior was overjoyed to be returning to the club he had supported as a child.
“I was a fan of the club growing up, so staying with the Red V for another season is exciting.” If I told my younger self he’d be a Dragon when he grew up, he wouldn’t believe me. It makes me very happy,” Burns said in a club release.
“2022 was a disjointed campaign for me so I’m under no illusions, I have plenty of areas to work on as a player throughout pre-season and next year.”
Burns has been extended by the club, according to GM of Football Ben Haran, with the goal of making him a first-team regular.
“Billy’s contributions over the past two seasons have been positive,” he said.
“The potential he has to be a permanent first-grade fixture moving forward were all key considerations when re-signing him.”
Burns’ extension comes as the club re-signs a number of young prospects in recent months, including Blake Lawrie, Jayden Sullivan, Tyrell Sloan, Jaiyden Hunt, and Mat and Max Feagai.
He’ll be one of several young players expected to fill the experience void left by the departures of back-row veterans Tariq Sims and Josh McGuire.
