Sunshine Coast Falcons star Sam Burns reflects on 100-game milestone

Sunshine Coast Falcons inspiration Sam Burns has cast his mind back to the tough times as he joined elite company in celebrating his 100th club appearance.

Sam Burns celebrates his 100th Sunshine Coast Falcons game in style. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Sunshine Coast Falcons star Sam Burns has etched his name alongside elite company after notching up 100 senior club games for the yellow and black during their round six victory over the Townsville Blackhawks.

Burns, 27, made his unexpected Cup debut in 2016 following a full season with the Melbourne Storm under-20s side.

The following years proved his persistence, making two appearances in 2017, 11 in 2018 and a full 24 in 2019.

The former hooker and now lock forward said he didn’t think it was possible but said the century mark was a major milestone.

“After debuting I spent the next couple of years grinding out a couple of games here and there but was stoked to get 24 matches under my belt in that 2019 season,” he said.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sam Burns leads his side out. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography

“I was ambitious to even reach 50 so to get to 100 is a very surreal feeling.

“The last week or so has really made me reflect on my career, how I got there, the people that helped and supported me along the way, the key players I’ve played with and all the hard work I’ve put in.

“I’ve really embraced what I’ve been through and all of the sacrifices I’ve made along my journey.”

The current Mountain Creek State High School teacher is the fifth player in the club’s history to play 100 games for the Falcons, joining the likes of Jye Ballinger, Martin Cordwell, Callum and Rowan Klein.

Burns said another special milestone was when he was named captain during the 2023 season and to pull on the jersey alongside a host of star players.

“Obviously all of the Storm players that come back standout,” he said.

“Guys like Nicho Hynes, Harry Grant, Justin Olam and Tui Kamikamica but two guys that have had a big influence on me has been Todd Murphy and Dane Hogan.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sam Burns. Picture: Rikki-Lee Arnold/QRL

“Both were former captains so that honour was another big stepping stone in my career.”

Burns said leading his team out after being named captain in round 12 last season was a special honour.

“The captaincy was forced upon me a bit with Patrice (Siolo) getting injured last season but in saying that I had been in the leadership group for a number of years and understand I’m one of the more experienced players,” he said.

“That was a really tough and humbling experience but to have my name alongside the former Falcons captains is very special.

“I hope it shows other people that hard work pays off because I would’ve never imagined myself in this position even a handful of years ago.”

Burns, the proud husband to Ashleigh and father of daughter, Arli, and a six-week-old son Oaklyn, said he was thankful for the entire Falcons community.

“The entire week has really put into perspective how lucky I am to have good people supporting me,” he said.

“All the coaches, office staff, players, the fans and so on made it extra special and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

“Even seeing a bunch of my students there, I knew some of them were coming but to see and hear so many of them in the crowd and after the match was really special.”

Sam Burns celebrates his 100th Sunshine Coast Falcons game in style. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Falcons coach Brad Henderson said he ‘couldn’t imagine the side without him’.

“I first met Sam in 2014 when I had him at the Canterbury Bulldogs under-18s team and even back then I thought he was really well spoken, mature kid but he’s also a lot of fun,” Henderson said.

“He’s a lot of fun, is a natural leader that never asks anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself which reflects on his integrity as well.

“The support he had on Saturday was a great reflection on his character, he’s also not someone that gets emotional too often but he had a few moments which is nice as it shows how much it all means to him.

“He really deserves it and I’m really proud have played my part in these past few years.”