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Newcastle skipper Danny Buderus says NSW and Test jumpers remain in his sights despite announcing today that the 2008 season will be his last in the NRL.
Buderus ended months of speculation by agreeing to a two-year deal with English Super League champions Leeds, the 30-year-old citing the opportunity to play with one of the strongest teams in the world and a change in lifestyle as primary reasons for the move.
But before packing away his Knights jumper for good, Buderus said adding to his 18 State of Origin matches and 24 Tests remained high on his list of priorities.
“This year’s a year of lasts for me and I’m going to approach every game like that and I’d love to be involved in another Origin series – but that’s all up to me,” Buderus said.
“I guess I’ve got to be playing as well as I can and that’s my aim – to be playing as well as I possibly can in every game, so hopefully I’ll be putting my hand up at around (selection) time.”
Buderus is facing tough opposition for the NSW hooking spot from Wests Tigers rake Robbie Farah, and an even stiffer task in reclaiming a Test berth from incumbent Cameron Smith.
Smith has made every post a winner since inheriting the Australian No.9 jumper when Buderus made himself unavailable for the 2006 Tri-Nations campaign, and it appears only injury or a stunning loss of form would see the 2007 Golden Boot winner lose his Test spot this season.
Newcastle coach Brian Smith, who was rumoured to have had a falling out with Buderus last year, paid him the ultimate compliment today by claiming he had re-written the modern hooking role.
“He plays at a level others aspire to and has set the benchmark in a lot of areas of play around his own position,” Smith said.
“There’s very few players, even in an era, who can do that.”
Buderus, who received the Knights’ backing in making his decision, said he was keen to head to the Uk while still performing near the best of his capabilities.
“I’m just really looking forward to the occasion over there and playing in a different style of football,” he said.
“Its all about enjoyment for me, going over there, playing in a top team – a big team – which I also wanted to play in and really enjoy my footy.
“I’ve got a few good years left and to appreciate the experience over there I think you’ve got to go well at your football, you can’t go over there injured.
“You’ve got to go over there and really have the fans accept you and be really strong in your game of footy and I feel like that’s my mindset.
“I guess I’m joining one of the powerhouses of world rugby league and it’s something that I haven’t taken lightly.”
Leeds boss Gary Hetherington, who was present at today’s announcement in Newcastle, said it was the esteem with which Buderus was held within the rugby league community which first caught his club’s attention.
“We’re always looking for world-class players and not only great players but great people as well,” Hetherington said.
“When we got to know that Danny may be available, we pursued it and were delighted at today’s announcement.”
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