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Rugby League

Ex-Australia captain Buderus to join Leeds Rhinos in 2009

13/03/2008

Super League and World Club Challenge champions Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of former Australia Test captain Danny Buderus.

The 30-year-old hooker will join on a two-year contract in 2009 from NRL side Newcastle Knights, where he has spent the past 11 seasons.

Buderus has vast top-level and international experience, including 24 caps for Australia, and has been one of Rhinos coach Brian McClennan's main targets since he took over the team last season.

"When I joined the Rhinos, Danny was the first guy that I thought would really help our team," McClennan explained.

"I thought that was an area that the club could develop in the future, with a two-pronged dummy half attack.

"Danny Buderus is the best hooker in Australia and I am excited about seeing him team up with [Great Britain international] Matt Diskin."

Buderus enjoyed a similar dual playing relationship with rugby league great Andrew Johns with the Knights, and McClennan believes the acquisition of the former Kangaroos captain can create a similar legacy at Headingley Carnegie.

"The partnership that Danny and Andrew Johns had at the Knights was one of the greatest ever in world rugby league," the head coach continued.

"The prospect of Danny working alongside Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire and Brent Webb is an exciting one for everyone connected with the Rhinos."

On his decision to move from the NRL to Super League, Buderus said: "I have been blessed to play professional rugby in Newcastle for the last 13 years, and I am extremely grateful for the support I have received throughout my career from everyone involved at the Knights.

"This is an opportunity to broaden my life and rugby league experiences while fulfilling my career ambitions of playing in England.

"While I have mixed emotions that come with knowing my NRL career is coming to an end, the time was right for me and my young family to make this decision."