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Humble Shark goes from 'borrowed time' to NRL semi
Jasper Bruce, AAP • September 18th, 2025 12:52 pm
Billy Burns is the making the most of an NRL lifeline thrown to him by the Sharks | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
If not for a bit of faith from Craig Fitzgibbon, Billy Burns would be working down a mine or on a job site this week instead of preparing for Cronulla's semi-final.
The back-rower thought his NRL career was over when incoming coach Shane Flanagan advised he was no longer required at St George Illawarra in 2024.
Burns had played 41 games across stints at the Dragons and Penrith, who had lured him from the NSW country town of Parkes.
But he had only ever been a fringe first-grader at both his sides and was staring down the possibility of entering the workforce.
"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."
Former Dragon Billy Burns is tackled by the Roosters' Sam Walker on Anzac Day in 2021 | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
Everything changed when Sharks coach Fitzgibbon took a punt on Burns for the 2024 season, offering the rangy ball runner a one-year contract.
He showed enough in four first-grade games to earn a new deal and has now become a regular amid injuries and suspensions to Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora.
The 26-year-old said getting so close to the rugby league wilderness had spurred him on.
"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."
Such has been Burns' rise this year that he kept Nikora on the bench when the elite second-rower returned from suspension for last week's elimination final win over the Sydney Roosters.
Billy Burns dives over for a try in round 27 against Canterbury | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Burns has retained that spot for Cronulla's semi-final against Canberra at GIO Stadium.
On Saturday night, Burns will notch a 16th first-grade appearance for the year, making 2025 the most prolific campaign of his career.
But any role in the team, even out of the game day squad 17, would be good enough for the newly-grateful Burns.
"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."
Sammy & Aysh go head to head over Brad Schneider's try for Penrith | Sport Nation League
