Parramatta prop Justin Poore says he’ll use the 2012 NRL season to honour Eels conditioning coach Sean Burns, who died suddenly late last month.

The tragic passing rocked the club and Poore admits he and team-mates are still coming to terms with the loss.

“It’s been tough, he’ll be fondly remembered by us all,” said Poore, who paid tribute to the contribution Burns made to his career.

The former St George Illawarra and NSW front-rower credits Burns, whose funeral was on Monday, for getting him fit for the start of the new campaign for the first time since arriving from the Dragons in 2010 following a long-standing knee problem.

“He was so helpful to me and instilled confidence that I’d never thought I’d get back,” Poore said.

“I’ve been lifting weights that I’ve never lifted before because of him.

“I owe him a lot and want to show that I can achieve the goals he set for me for this season.

“He’ll be in the back of our mind this season and and will always have a place in our hearts.”

Eels coach Stephen Kearney echoed Poore’s sentiments.

“It was devastating,” Kearney said.

“For us we will move on, but for his wife Amanda and their family it will always be very difficult and our thoughts will remain with them.

“In the three months he spent here he made a wonderful impact on the group.”

Burns, who had also worked for the NSW police force, joined the Eels from Wests Tigers late last year.

The two clubs will honour his memory when they face off in Saturday’s trial match at Gosford.

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