Rugby league fans have fallen in love with Braidon Burns, the rising Rabbitoh whose incredible backstory was revealed in The Daily Telegraph.

The young centre was yesterday widely praised by NRL fans, players, officials and commentators after opening up about his life, including his dad being jailed for armed robbery, finding his mum after a drug overdose, and only recently being tearily approached by her at training for money,

READ NOW: BRAIDON BURNS’ FULL STORY

Radio host Ray Hadley yesterday said: “I’ve been covering rugby league and calling it for 38 years and I have never seen a better story … it will bring tears to your eyes, you will be in total admiration for this bloke.”

Burns’ manager Allan Gainey said the 22-year-old was both grateful and humbled by the way the NRL community had embraced his story, which he was now willing to share in the hope of helping others.

Souths general manager Shane Richardson said the club was incredibly proud of the young player from Coonamble.

media_camera Braidon Burns during a South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL pre-season media session. Picture: Matt King

INSPIRING REASON BEHIND RABBITOH’S CHASE FOR SUCCESS

“He’s a great story, and a wonderful person,” Richardson said.

“He’s had some challenges over the years — and they really have been amazing challenges — yet he doesn’t make excuses, he simply gets on with it and handles everything.

“So today really was just another day for him.

“There was a time when he was embarrassed about his story but not any more. He’s unbelievably honest about everything that has happened … and he genuinely wants his parents to have a good life.”

Souths CEO Blake Solly also praised Burns, while adding that his story highlighted the way rugby league could help young men and women to not only improve their situation but transform their lives.

Yesterday, Burns revealed he was training at Redfern Oval when his mum showed up. Hand out, wanting cash.

“But I said no,” Burns says. “Wouldn’t give her any,” The Daily Telegraph reported.

media_camera Braidon Burns in action at Redfern Oval. Picture: Phil Hillyard