Parramatta prop Justin Poore says he's determined to pay back the Eels by re-capturing his best form in 2012 after hitting 'rock bottom' over the last two years.
A little over two seasons ago Poore was considered one of the leading props in the game, culminating in his elevation to the NSW State of Origin side for all three matches of the 2009 series.
But after joining the Eels for the 2010 season it's been a rocky road for the former Dragons big man.
Poore has battled a long-standing knee injury, a problem which saw him manage just four appearances last season and he admits he had serious doubts he'd ever make it back to NRL action.
"I was just telling my wife the other day that I never thought I'd get back to running around on the field every day and enjoying footy again," Poore said on Wednesday.
"It's been a long, tough road and I'm so thankful I'm here."
"I'm lucky I've got that core group around me...my wife, my mum and dad, who supported me through that 15 month period or I wouldn’t be here today."
This is the first time in three seasons Poore has enjoyed a full pre-season and is fully fit heading into the new campaign.
He will play in the club's trial match against the Wests Tigers in Gosford on Saturday night and is keen to make up for lost time.
"I want to get back to where I was in '09 and I need a big year to pay Parra back for helping me through the tough times," Poore said.
"I'm only 27, I've still got another 4 years in me feel and I feel like I've got a point to prove."
"To have a knee injury you go up and down, rugby league's a yo-yo and I've been down the bottom for a while."
"Hopefully the climb up will be better."
A big reason for Poore's return to fitness during the off-season was the contribution of Eels conditioning coach Sean Burns, who passed away suddenly last month.
Poore, who admits the Eels squad are still coming to terms with the tragic loss, has vowed to dedicate his season to Burns who has got him back to full fitness for the first time in a couple of years.
"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 will always have a place in our hearts."
Eels coach Stephen Kearney said of Poore: "He's been able to spend most of the pre-season with the main group which is a real benefit to us."
"He's played state of origin footy and played a number of first grade games...he'll be very handy for us going forward."