Buderus ready for flying start
Australian hooker Danny Buderus has said that he and his Leeds Rhinos team mates are feeling better than ever as they look to get the new Engage Super League season off to a flying start against local rivals Bradford Bulls at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 13th February.
Buderus was an interested spectator on New Years Day when Brian McDermott’s side got off to a winning start under their new Head Coach against Wakefield. The hooker missed out on playing having only arrived back in the UK three days earlier after being given permission by the club to remain in Australia for the birth of his son Lachlan Sidney.
Whilst wife Kris and eldest daughter Ella remained in Australia, Buderus headed back to Yorkshire to begin preparations for the 2011 season. He commented, “There is a great spirit in the camp. The new coaching regime has really freshened things up plus the boys had a longer break this close season and we don’t have the pressure of preparing for the World Club Challenge. The lads have been training hard and there is a positive feeling running throughout the club.”
Buderus has played in some of the greatest venues in the world but he admits the chance to play at the Millennium Stadium is something he is getting excited about. “I have walked around the place but not played there before so I am really looking forward to the Magic weekend. I think it is a great concept to have all 14 clubs playing over one weekend and it will be even better for us to play under the roof, especially with the season kicking off in February.”
The close season has seen Buderus rival for the hooking spot at Leeds, Matt Diskin, move across to Bradford and the pair are likely to go head to head in Cardiff. Diskin’s role within the Rhinos squad has been filled by youngster Paul McShane, who shone in the New Years Day win over Wakefield and Buderus is predicting a bright future for his apprentice.
He added, “Macca played really well against Wakefield. He is a very skilful player who has a great range of skills. I am sure he will step up to the mark this season. Likewise, I think young Liam Hood is doing a great job in the Under 20s and he has been putting in a lot of hard work with the first team squad this pre-season.”