Billy Burns will head across the Tom Ugly's Bridge next season, signing a one-year deal with the Sharks.
After making his debut for Penrith as a teenager, the 25-year-old has been used sporadically for St George Illawarra in recent years, making 29 first grade appearances for the club over three seasons.
Burns has shown his versatility in the Red V, filling in at centre, but will add much-needed depth to the Cronulla back-row stocks heading into the 2024 season.
With club great Wade Graham hanging up the boots, Burns will back up the likes of Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora in the top grade as he looks to keep his NRL career alive.
MORE: Sitili Tupouniua signs three-year contract extension with Roosters
Billy Burns signs one-year deal with Cronulla Sharks
In a statement released on Thursday, the rangy edge forward expressed his excitement to be heading to the Shire.
"It's good to be here. It's a new kid at school type of feeling, but getting in here and meeting the boys, they're all genuine and good blokes," Burns said.
"They're definitely making me feel welcome. I was attracted to the Sharks by how proud the club is, as well as the coaching staff with Fitzy leading the charge. The pride in the club and the jersey is something I wanted to be a part of.
"I want to work on my game and hopefully play some consistent first grade - that's always a goal - and help this club any way I can to win a comp."
Burns was a standout in the junior system at the Panthers, featuring in their 2016 SG Ball premiership and successful U20s team, as well as representing Australian Schoolboys in 2016.
Billy Burns 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 13 |
| Tries | 3 |
| Linebreaks | 2 |
| Tackle Breaks | 26 |
| Offloads | 5 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 76m |
| Avg. Tackles | 27 |
