LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Snatching his opportunity: Inside Shark's journey from NSW Cup to NRL Finals
"Every kid dreams of playing in an NRL final."
These nine words capture the remarkable journey of Billy Burns, who has evolved from a reserve-grade player to a standout performer for the Cronulla Sharks.
Just a year ago, Burns led the Newtown Jets to a historic NSW Cup championship. Today, he is gearing up to replicate that success as he enters his inaugural NRL Finals berth.
In under a year, Burns has transitioned from seeking a new contract to competing in 14 matches in 2025, ultimately securing an extension to stay with the Sharks until at least the end of the following season.
However, the path wasn't always smooth for the 26-year-old. He faced challenges in securing a consistent first-grade position at both the Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons.
"They took a chance on me a couple of years ago when I didn't really have anything going," Burns shared with Zero Tackle.
"Now I've landed on my two feet here and I'm pretty excited. I love it here, and I love the boys, the coaches, and it's a good feeling around the club."