Coming to the Rabbitohs from the Penrith Panthers in the off season, new recruit Braidon Burns has been grateful for the experience that he has gained during his time in the Red and Green to date.
Featuring in all of the Rabbitohs pre-season fixtures including the Charity Shield victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons – which saw the youngster bag two tries out wide – Burns has sought to make the most of his opportunities.
“I grew up wanting to play for the Rabbitohs,” said the Coonamble Bears product.
“Out at Penrith I got to play for the under 20’s, but coming into an NRL preseason and here with the Rabbitohs with a lot of experience around us means a lot.
“Playing at the Auckland Nines and playing in Campbelltown, I feel like I got a bit of experience there so I just want to get into the season and hopefully get a start there.”
With the opening round of the season looming, Burns has been happy with his sides lead up, but knows that there is plenty of work that needs to be done.
“The atmosphere around training is good, everyone’s pretty keen to get stuck into it,
“The trials have been a good starting point for us and where we want to go, but the focus is on round one now, getting out there and getting our combinations right.”
After strong showings throughout the preseason, the proven try scorer – who scored 20 tries in 20 NYC matches in 2016, including five in a match against the New Zealand Warriors – will be looking to find his way into Michael Maguire’s side for the opening round of the season – something he believes he’s ready for if called upon.
“I’m just focusing on improving, making myself a better player, getting into the team and being consistent.
“There are a few opportunities there and I want to take advantage of those and get out there and give it my best.”
