The veteran forward decided to hang up his boots after the Berry Magpies last game in 2013 and while he will not be running around again this season, he will still be a big part of the team. 

After his retirement, Burns expressed a desire to remain with the club in some capacity and has got his wish by joining the coaching staff as assistant to Nathan Benney. 

Burns said he is enjoying his new role so far and likes the way it keeps him occupied. 

“There are lots of young blokes at the club and helping them come through the ranks is something I’m very interested in,” Burns said. 

“I always wanted to stay involved in some way when I stopped playing and I was initially looking at the under 18s, but when Nath took on the job, that made the decision easier,” he added. 

Burns is no stranger to coaching, having captain-coached the Magpies to a grand final appearance in 2007, but this time he will be doing it all from the sideline. 

Burns said any time he’s had a run around at training, he’s pulled up sore and has no intention of pulling the boots back on, but playing an off-field role suits him just fine. 

“I think it’s unreal. 

“We’ve pretty much got a 50/50 partnership and we can feed off each other.”

After a lot of ups and down last season, the Magpies missed out on the semis, but Burns thinks they can turn it around in 2014. 

“For us it’s about attitude and consistency. 

“We need to be able to compete on a consistent basis. 

“We’re happy with our game plan, now it’s a question of executing it and turning up for the full 80. 

“I know we’ll be enthusiastic and I see that as one of our strengths. 

“But we need to maintain that enthusiasm and keep them up to it every week.” 

Berry’s round one clash this Saturday with the Gerringong Lions was postponed due to wet weather.

They have a bye in round two but should be more than ready to face the Port Kembla Blacks at home on Sunday, April 13.