South Sydney Rabbitohs back Braidon Burns says the extra depth in the squad this year is pushing the team to raise the bar at training.
Burns, who played ten games in the NRL last season and scoring four tries, believes that the new players coming through can only benefit the team.
“It’s quite a competitive culture we’ve got here at the moment, everyone is fighting for positions and there is a lot of depth in each position with the new guys coming in,” said Burns.
Braidon Burns“It just adds another dimension of footy to everyone’s game and we can all learn off each other and pick up different traits.”
While the influx of new players has added an edge to pre-season workouts, Burns has also noticed the effect new Head Coach Anthony Seibold has brought to the team’s training.
“I think our main focus has been working on our effort areas, Seibs has stressed the importance of that and being a clinical side,” he said.
“If we can work on our effort areas and keep working hard at training, it will translate into our games.
Coach Seibold has emphasised the importance of the team keeping a high work rate and Burns has noticed the difference during intense training sessions.
“It’s been different I think,” Burns added. “Seibs covered a few of the differences in a few meetings where we have covered more load in less time.
“It’s something we have been working towards transitioning quick and playing that type of footy.”
Coming out of the Christmas break, Burns has been focusing on making sure his body is right after having knee surgery, but outside back says he’s never felt better.
“[The knees] are feeling really good. I had a bit of trouble before Christmas with them but I think the break really helped me to get them right,” said Burns.
“They’re probably the best they’ve actually felt since playing footy, I’m really happy with where they’re at and I’m looking forward to keeping them that way.”
With the season bearing down on the team, Burns is happy to continue working towards his 2018 goals, whether that be in the first grade team or with North Sydney Bears.
“I’m just trying to push for that position, last year I played a bit on the wing and this year I’m hoping to get a gig in the centres, whether that means going back to the Bears and starting off their but I’m going to keep trying to push for that position.”
