Burns ready to step up in Sharks’ finals fight
Sebastian Tan |
Second-rower Billy Burns knows he hasn’t got much time to show Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon why he’s worthy of a starting jersey in the battle for NRL finals berths.
But Briton Nikora’s suspension has opened up a spot for the 26-year-old to step up for the Sharks.
After signing a contract extension until the end of 2026 on Friday, Burns has been thrust into the starting lineup against last-placed Gold Coast on Saturday.
He knows it’s a big game for the seventh-placed Sharks, who need to bounce back after an upset loss to St George Illawarra that dealt a major blow to their top-four hopes.
Nikora won’t be available ahead of the finals after dealing a high-shot on Corey Allan last Saturday, but Burns wants to ensure he is not missed too much.
“Hopefully not, mate. I’ll be filling in for him,” Burns said.
“I’ve got to step in, do my job, and that’ll help the team go forward and get the win.
“I just want to get some consistency and build some good relationships and connections with the boys around me.
“I don’t have much time to get that going, but I’ve been with these boys for the last two years now, so I’m ready to go.”
Burns admitted Cronulla went into the Dragons game “unconsciously” concerned too much about the ladder.
He said this week’s training has been about refocusing on the rest of the season.
After Gold Coast, the Sharks have a bye before facing Newcastle and Canterbury.
Burns was adamant they would not take the cellar-dwelling Titans lightly, noting they recently beat the Warriors and forced hot shots Penrith to golden point.
“We did that (maths) and if we win this game, we’ll be well entrenched in there (top eight),” Burns said.
“Anyone can beat anyone, that’s been shown lately with all the bottom eight sides beating top eight sides.
“You can’t take them (Titans) lightly at all.
“They’ve got Jayden Campbell, who can do anything. They’ve got Kieran Foran, who’s been there, done it all.”
AAP
