Loan link plan for Leeds Rhinos and Newcastle Knights

Australian Test great Danny Buderus is dreaming of a new link between his two clubs, Leeds Rhinos and Newcastle Knights.
Danny Buderus, left and Kevin Sinfield with the Super League trophy at Old Trafford in 2011. Picture by Steve Riding.Danny Buderus, left and Kevin Sinfield with the Super League trophy at Old Trafford in 2011. Picture by Steve Riding.
Danny Buderus, left and Kevin Sinfield with the Super League trophy at Old Trafford in 2011. Picture by Steve Riding.

The 42-year-old former No 9 revealed his Leeds captain - and now Rhinos’ director of rugby - Kevin Sinfield was an inspiration for his latest return to Knights in an administrative role.

Buderus played 73 times for Leeds during a three-season spell, his final game being the 2011 Grand Final win over St Helens.

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He joined Rhinos from Newcastle and ended his playing career with two seasons back there after leaving Leeds.

Danny Buderus was outstanding for Rhinos in their 2011 play-offs semi-final win at Warrington Wolves. Picture by Steve Riding.Danny Buderus was outstanding for Rhinos in their 2011 play-offs semi-final win at Warrington Wolves. Picture by Steve Riding.
Danny Buderus was outstanding for Rhinos in their 2011 play-offs semi-final win at Warrington Wolves. Picture by Steve Riding.

Now Knights’ head of football/general manager, Buderus confirmed: “I looked at Kev for a bit of inspiration and looked at how that works.”

And he said: “I always dreamed, when I came back from Leeds, of having a bit of a loan system, sending players over there [to England] and them sending players over here.

“I would really like to know how that could work one day. I have got my ideas and my thoughts on it and I’d like to connect with a club.

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“I hope that is the Rhinos because I know how much talent’s over there.

Danny Buderus captained Exiles during his spell with Rhinos. Picture by Steve Riding.Danny Buderus captained Exiles during his spell with Rhinos. Picture by Steve Riding.
Danny Buderus captained Exiles during his spell with Rhinos. Picture by Steve Riding.

“If we can bring some kids out here, I know how strong the academy is and I really want to help the Rhinos and the English game.

“There’s plenty of kids here in Newcastle that would benefit from going over there and living among the mighty Yorkshire people because they will learn a few things. Hopefully one day that can happen.”

Buderus has remained a Rhinos fan since his time playing for Leeds. He told Rhinos’ website: “I was involved in an amazing period for the club and I really treasure my time over there, with the individuals I got to play with and the success we had.

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“I love the club, I only want the best for it and I have got a lot of respect for the English game.”

After hanging up his boots, Buderus had a spell on Knights’ coaching staff before becoming a media pundit. Of his new role, Buderus, who captained both New South Wales and Australia, said: “I have been in this job only eight weeks and the whole time it has been coronavirus.

“It has been a really difficult time.

“I had a great four years at Fox [television], just calling the games and doing the commentary.

“I absolutely loved that, but I have stepped into this because I want to see the club do well and help and have an effect on that.

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“My family has grown up a bit more so I can commit a bit more time to the game now. They are long days, but hopefully if we keep working hard there will be some reward at the end.”

Super League clubs will be keeping a close eye on the state of play when NRL action resumes on Thursday following a two-month shutdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A limited number of grounds are being used, with matches initially played behind closed doors and Buderus believes success will come down to physical and mental strength.

He warned: “Injuries and the like will take its toll. It’s all about who handles the recovery and how all that works.

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“Everything is on the day, you go into the stadium and once you go into the stadium you can’t go on the field. You have got to go up into a room, stay there, then go to the dressing room, get ready, go play, get back on the bus and go home.

“There’s a lot going on for the players that will take them out of their comfort zone. It’s the team that handles that the best. Making sure everyone’s ready to go every week and every session is really important.”