The 18-year-old was a member of the triumphant NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Under 18 Schoolboys rugby league side that played in the Australian Championships at Wynnum Manly in Brisbane between July 11 to 15.

In a gripping first three days of the titles, the side defeated NSW Combined High Schools (NSW CHS) 32–6, but went down to Queensland 14–8, before smashing NSW Combined Independent Schools in a 36-4 victory.

But it all came down to the crunch in the final on the Friday (July 15) between NSWCCC and NSW CHS when a converted try from the side line had NSWCCC leading 24-22 as the full time siren sounded.

It was what Billy’s father, Scott Burns, said was his son’s best moment.

“Bill played strong in all games and he set up two tries in the final,” he said.

“He actually suffered a shoulder injury in his first game but played through it, he’s out for two weeks now to rest.”

The highlights haven’t stopped there either for Billy, who now lives in Penrith, studying for his HSC with McCarthy Catholic College, after he signed a three-year contract with the Panthers last November.

The former Holy Family student and Parkes Marist junior debuted with the Under 20s side five weeks ago against South Sydney, scoring on his first touch of the ball.

“He ran through a gap...and he took a couple of defenders over the line with him,” Scott said.

“He loves it...they’re currently undefeated.”