What a season it's been for Billy Burns.
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And now who knows what the future holds for the 20-year-old after he has agreed to a contract extension with the Penrith Panthers.
The club was delighted to announce the news on Wednesday night.
The new deal means the forward will remain with the Panthers until at least the end of the 2022 season.
"I'm stoked to re-sign with the Panthers and to be staying in Penrith for at least the next few years," Burns said.
"I have a lot of good mates at this club and together I believe we have the potential to build something special."
It's been a whirlwind end to the 2019 season for the former Red Bend Catholic College student, who made his NRL debut as Panther No. 592 on August 31 in Round 24 against Sydney Roosters - playing for 35 minutes off the bench and becoming the first Parkes Spacemen junior in more than a decade to debut for Penrith.
Just one week later he made his second appearance for the Panthers against the Newcastle Knights, where he notched up two tries in the game's second stanza.
And not long after this Burns picked up the Penrith Panthers Merv Cartwright Medal, recognising him as the club's Canterbury Cup Player of the Year.
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"Heading into next season I'm focused on locking down a spot in the NRL side and delivering consistent performances at that level," Burns said, looking to the future.
"I want to thank Ivan (Cleary) and everyone at Panthers for the opportunities they've given me to this point."
Burns relocated to Penrith following his junior rugby league years with the Parkes Spacemen, and was a member of the club's premiership-winning SG Ball side in 2016.
He progressed through the grades at the Panthers, including being named on the club's NRL development list in February, prior to his NRL debut.
Burns' representative honours to date include selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2016 and the NSW U20s Origin side in 2018.
"It was always our intention to keep Billy at the club so we're thrilled to have the opportunity to extend his contract until the end of 2022," Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.
"Billy is a great example of the young talent that is emerging from our ongoing work with rugby league development in Central West NSW.
"His first two games in the NRL showcased some of the skills he brings to our squad and we look forward to watching his game develop in the seasons ahead."
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