South Sydney Rabbitohs rookie Braidon Burns’ remarkable rise from troubled childhood to NRL

South Sydney Rabbitohs rookie Braidon Burns reveals that both his parents are in Silverwater jail as he charts his amazing rise from troubled childhood to the NRL.

Braidon Burns during the South Sydney Rabbitohs interview session at Redfern Oval. Picture. Phil Hillyard

FOR most of his South Sydney teammates, this will be the first time they read about the incredible, inspiring childhood of new teammate Braidon Burns.

The talented 20-year-old, who will line up on the wing in Sunday’s Charity Shield at ANZ Stadium, has not told many of his Rabbitohs comrades how he has beaten the odds to be on the verge of his first-grade debut.

As he prepared for his first taste of senior football, he did not hold back on the gritty details when asked by the The Daily Telegraph to tell his story.

His father, Jonathan Silver, is in Long Bay prison for armed robbery and drugs charges.

Tanya Burns, his mother, is locked up in Silverwater for the same offences, but still writes letters to her eldest son.

“They went down the wrong path when they were young, made some bad decisions, and it’s impacted on me and my younger brother (Dray),’’ Burns said.

Burns has overcome a lot in his life.

“We distanced ourselves from them and tried to let them sort their stuff out.

“When they get out of jail, which will be some time later this year, we’ll be happy to help them.

“They call every now and then. I still love them. I last spoke to Dad about four months ago, Mum was a bit longer, but she writes me letters.

“I saw it all growing up.

“I’ve never touched drugs, and seen what it has done to people.

“They were in and out of (jail) a few times. I’d be away at boarding school and get the call to say they’re back in (prison).

“I probably prefer them to be in jail because they’re not out there and on drugs, and know where they are.’’

Burns could make his NRL debut alongside his hero, Greg Inglis.

Burns grew up in Coonamble, a town of 3000 about 160km north of Dubbo, and was mostly raised by his grandmother Gail.

The 20-year-old was awarded an Aboriginal scholarship to attend the prestigious St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, and was handy at rugby.

“I didn’t enjoy union as much as league, but the most important thing was I was getting away from the bad stuff back home, and that helped me,’’ Burns said.

“Seeing how other people lived and other families, that made me want more.

“Footy is everything. Every time I’ve been in a bad mood, I’d either watch footy or play footy.’’

Burns returned to St Stanislaus College in Bathurst to complete his studies, before he signed a deal with the Penrith Panthers.

“I probably prefer them to be in jail because they’re not out there and on drugs, and know where they are.’’

In 2014, he posed for a photo with his idol, Greg Inglis, the man he could play along side as early as next month when the Bunnies kick off their campaign against the Wests Tigers.

Burns praised coach Cameron Ciraldo for helping develop his game during his stint at the Panthers where they won the National Youth Competition title before being lured to Redfern.

Souths general manager Shane Richardson had hoped to sign Burns before he joined Penrith, and was not prepared to strike out again once he came off contract. He was the first player signed by Souths once Richardson returned to the club late last year.

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When he makes his NRL debut, Burns quipped there would be a mountain of requests for tickets for the mountain of people who made sure he stayed out of trouble.

“Madge (coach Michael Maguire) places a huge focus on knowing your role, and if you can do that well, and execute the way he wants, you will do well,’’ Burns said.

“I’ll be outside Hymel Hunt on Sunday, we’ve worked on our combo, getting the talk right, and hopefully we can get out there and do a job.’’

Burns and fellow former Panthers flyer Rob Jennings are vying for one of the vacant wing spots. They both have speed to burn, but Burns said fellow winger Alex Johnston had them both covered.

Fullback would be Burns’ dream position.

He doesn’t know it, but Burns is already the No. 1 to his younger brother and mates.