Gerome Burns scores hat-trick as WAR wins first Koori Knockout
Gerome Burns scored a hat-trick as Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers won the Koori Knockout just 18 months after his retirement.
Burns played as a five-eighth when a knee injury in South Sydney's lower grades led to his medical retirement at 26. Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers helped him recover and gave him a place in their squad.
On Monday he repaid that faith with a man-of-the-match performance. He scored two tries in the second half as WAR pulled away.
Burns told NITV: "From thinking I'm never going to play footy again, to coming and doing this for WAR, for my mob, I'm just so proud." WAR was formed in 2019.
It became just the third Wiradjuri nation to win the carnival in 43 years. The squad included several NRL stars.
They came close to glory in 2023.
- 18 months
- Years from retirement to Knockout win
- 3
- Tries scored by Burns
- 26-6
- Final score WAR vs Bourke Warriors
- Third
- Wiradjuri nation wins in 43 years
Why it mattersBurns's comeback from a career-ending injury shows the power of community support. It gives hope to other injured players that a path back is possible.
AustraliaThe Koori Knockout is a major event in Australian rugby league, and WAR's first win marks a milestone for the Wiradjuri community and Aboriginal sport.
Corroborated bycanberratimes.com.au·centralwesterndaily.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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