SAINT Stanislaus’ College product Braidon Burns has locked in at least three more seasons at the South Sydney Rabbitohs after the club announced they had extended his contract until the end of 2021.
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The 22-year-old has played 15 NRL games for South Sydney since making his debut against the Sea Eagles in 2017.
A proud Indigenous man, Burns – who was one of many NRL stars at last year’s Koori Knockout in Dubbo – played rugby union at Stannies in Bathurst in his teenage years.
But he returned to his first love of rugby league with the successful Penrith Panthers under 20s outfit in 2016, becoming a try-scoring sensation.
Burns, who can play centre or wing, said he was happy to be extending his contract with South Sydney.
“I feel like I’m in a really good spot now and the Rabbits is where I want to play my football,” Burns said in a statement.
“I love playing for this club, for the members and the fans. They are really passionate about the club and they give us support all year round.
“It’s really important that we repay that faith that they have in us and for me that’s about playing and training to the best of my ability and putting something back into the community when I can.”
Burns has spoken with coach Wayne Bennett since the legendary mentor joined South Sydney from the Brisbane Broncos in December, and said Bennett’s belief in him made him more confident in his own game.
“I can’t wait to get back out there in the coming weeks to do my best for this great club,” he said.
Rabbitohs general manager of football, Shane Richardson, said Burns was ready to make his mark on the Rabbitohs’ back line.
“Braidon is an exciting young player with a great attitude towards his football,” Richardson said.
“He has embraced his role at the club, both on and off the field, over the past two years and we know that his best football is in front of him.
“He has the skill, size and pace that we are looking for and we’re really excited to see him grow under the tutelage of Wayne.”
The contribution Burns makes to the community through Souths Cares was also “first class”, Richardson said, and “we can see the pride he takes in helping those in need”.
“We’re excited to have Braidon extend his time with us and we’re looking forward to working with him for at least the next three years.”