Dragons re-sign Burns

St George Illawarra have announced the re-signing of Dragons back-rower Billy Burns for the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

Burns joined the Dragons from the Penrith Panthers in the opening rounds of the 2021 season and has played 31 NRL games to date.

The Parkes Spaceman junior said it was surreal feeling to remain at the Dragons following an injury-disrupted campaign.

"My injury troubles over the past 12 months put me in limbo there for a while, so for the club to put their trust in me for next season means a lot," Burns said. 

"I was a fan of the club growing up so to stick with the Red V for another season is exciting. If I told my younger self he would be a Dragon when he grew up, he wouldn't believe me, so that makes me very happy.

"2022 was a disjointed campaign for me so I'm under no illusions I have plenty of areas to work on as a player throughout pre-season and next year."

Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said: "Billy has faced a difficult period with injury but with another pre-season under his belt he will continue to add value to our squad.

"Billy's contributions over the past two seasons have been positive, and the potential he has to be a permanent first grade fixture moving forward were all key considerations when re-signing him."

Burns's re-signing follows the likes of the Blake Lawrie, Jack Bird, Jayden Sullivan, Tyrell Sloan, Jaiyden Hunt, Michael Molo and Max and Mat Feagai to re-sign with the Dragons in recent months.