LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Following the announcement of Ben Lovett's retirement, another player from the South Sydney Rabbitohs has also decided to end his playing career. Gerome Burns, a playmaker on a development contract this season, was on track to join the club's Top 30 roster by 2026 but has been forced to retire early due to a knee injury.
Burns joined the Rabbitohs as a mature-age recruit, and the club has confirmed that his retirement stems from a knee issue sustained at the beginning of the season.
He spent six years competing in the Queensland Cup for teams such as the Souths Logan Magpies, Ipswich Jets, and North Devils. Additionally, Burns had a brief stint with the Brisbane Broncos in 2020 and played one pre-season match for The Dolphins in 2024.
Burns represented Queensland in the Under-18s and Under-20s and was honored as a two-time Mal Meninga Cup Player of the Year. Regrettably, he will retire without having had the opportunity to play in the NRL.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly remarked, "I'd like to make special mention of Ben and Gerome, both whose careers will come to a premature end due to knee injuries which cannot be rehabilitated. They are shining examples to their teammates of the Rabbitohs spirit."