It was an impressive story: Joe Burns' great-uncle Harold, who represented Queensland in cricket and rugby league, used his wicketkeeping skills to dismiss Don Bradman in a Sheffield Shield match - but, it never happened.

Burns' father, Reg, set the record straight on Monday, saying while Harold definitely played alongside the likes of the great Aboriginal fast bowler Eddie Gilbert and The Don's peer Bill O'Reilly, the two men never crossed paths on the sports field.

"Joseph might have got the wrong angle on that story," said Reg. "But Harold was certainly one of the few people who've played rugby league and cricket for Queensland."

Joe Burns is not the first person - and he won't be the last - to make a mistake about the achievements of a forefather. Some people believe their great-grandfather shot down the Red Baron in World War I, that bushranger Ned Kelly was a distant relative or a spinster aunt had her heart broken by actor Errol Flynn.

Regardless, Burns has reason to be proud of his great-uncle who kept for Queensland in 1931-32 against the touring South Africans. The 1930s is also regarded as the "Burns era" in north Queensland so great was his impact on rugby league in the region.  Harold Burns died in 1944, aged 36, from pneumonia after an appendix operation. "My father was devastated, he idolised Harold," Reg said.

On a brighter note the Burnses will be at the MCG on Friday when Joe should add a new chapter to family lore by representing Australia in the Boxing Day Test.