Cowboys recruit Lachlan Burr reveals why he headed north

“I’ve jumped around a few clubs now so it sort of adds to the story and adds to the adventure.”

The lure of Todd Payten was enough to convince Lachlan Burr to North Queensland, and now the Cowboys newest recruit is aiming to use his insights on the coach to cement a starting spot.

But first, he has to contend with the Townsville heat.

Burr played under Payten at the New Zealand Warriors, and the 28-year-old’s grit impressed him to the point where a contract was waiting for him.

Burr played 14 games last season for the Kiwi club, and while they were forced to relocate to Australia for the majority of the 2020 season, the climate he finds himself in is a challenge in itself.

However ultimately, Payten’s faith in Burr as a player and the opportunity to step into the jersey vacated by John Asiata proved telling enough to entice the no nonsense forward to make the move.

North Queensland Cowboys pre-season training at Willows Sporting complex. Lachlan Burr. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I sort of had a bit of a run down for what I was going to be walking into, but just the heat hit me like a ton of bricks — I think (Thursday) was the first day I started to cope with it a bit better,” Burr said.

“I was at the Gold Coast for two years so I remember it being tough, but up here it’s another level.

“I had a good year under Toddy last year, so when he asked me to come up and join him I jumped on it. I’ve jumped around a few clubs now so it sort of adds to the story and adds to the adventure.

“(Payten said) just that I worked hard, had a good work ethic and did my job and there was no complaints.”

North Queensland Cowboys pre-season training at Willows Sporting complex. Lachlan Burr. Picture: Evan Morgan

Burr’s two seasons at the Warriors were his most productive in the NRL, playing 37 games as opposed to the 24 he previously did since his 2013 debut.

He established himself as an important cog in New Zealand’s unlikely push for the finals as he featured in every game from round 11 onwards.

However with regular middle men Jason Taumalolo, Josh McGuire and Jordan McLean well established in the starting side, his most likely inclusion will come off the pine to add some starch and consistency when the representative trio take a breather.

Equipped with experiences at the Bulldogs, Titans and Leigh Centurions, Burr comes with plenty of exposure that could prove pivotal for the club’s young group.

While Burr said the frequent relocating made the move to Townsville slightly easier to grow accustom to, there was still an adjustment phase he was undergoing.

But now that the dust has settled on the change, he is determined to own a spot in the 17.

“There’s a lot of faces I’ve never seen before, it’s a young squad, so that can be a good thing,” Burr said.

“The boys are more hungry and looking to prove themselves so I think we’ve got a good squad and will go pretty solid next year.

“I want to try push to make the starting squad, I didn’t come here for a holiday so I’m here to do a job and play footy.”

Originally published as Cowboys recruit Lachlan Burr reveals why he headed north