Toowoomba fullback flies high with Jets on debut
RUGBY LEAGUE: Former Western Mustang Denzel Burns has made an immediate impression on the Ipswich Jets coaching staff.
Playing at fullback in the Jets trial against Souths Logan Magpies Burns, younger brother to Broncos-listed halfback Jerome Burns, staked a claim for an early season berth after making himself comfortable under the high ball against the Magpies.
“He’s a young fella we’ve brought in from Toowoomba, he’s lightning fast and has a great instinct for the game,” Jets co-coach Shane Walker said.
“Fullback is obviously a tough position, particularly against a team hell-bent on putting up a series of bombs.
“He was a stand-out for us on the weekend I thought. He showed great awareness of where to get to and where to be – his sense for an offload. He did a great job.”
After Burns’ first outing in a green and white jersey, Walker admitted he was a confused why the fullback had not already been snapped up by another club prior to the Jets bringing him in.
“He’s a slightly built fella, perhaps he’s been overlooked because of his build but we don’t mind what shape or size you are,” Walker said.
The test now for Burns is to show continuity in his performances, as the Jets ramp up their pre-season preparations ahead of a blockbuster opening round clash against the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby.
“We always afford the guys that finished the year the opportunity to start the year,” Walker said, stipulating Burns would likely need to wait to get his start in the run-on side.
“Without pre-empting too much, Percy (Michael Purcell) will get first crack at fullback because he’s done the job for us for two years.
“Denzel likely won’t start the year, but he’s given himself every chance.”
❝ He’s a young fella we’ve brought in from Toowoomba, he’s lightning fast and has a great instinct for the game. — Shane Walker