Buderus Signs Until 2008

Dally M Medal winner and NSW Captain, Danny Buderus has today agreed to terms with the Newcastle Knights until at least the end of the 2008 season.

Buderus, who capped off a remarkable 2004 by captaining the Kangaroos for a number of games on the team?s Tri-nations tour of New Zealand and Britain, has agreed to a three-year term with a option for a fourth.

His new contract with the club will see the game?s best dummy half play out his career in the blue and red colours.

Speaking today, Buderus said it had always been an honour to play for the club he joined as a 17 year old from Taree.

?When I joined the Knights in 1995 as a half-back, I couldn?t have imagined that I would go on to play over 150 games for the club as a hooker,? he said.

?There is not a prouder man when I pull on the red and blue jersey and to know that I?ll now play out my career in Newcastle is the best news possible.?

Buderus also said he was looking forward to taking a stronger leadership role at the Knights.

?Last year was a very steep learning curve for me,? he said.

?Captaining my club, state and country was a big responsibility and it taught me a lot about leadership.?

?I?m looking forward to developing those skills further and helping to make the Knights a better football club.?

?I?m very confident that we have things in place at Newcastle that will see us positioned where we should be - at the top of the rugby league tree.?

Buderus is hopeful of returning from injury earlier than expected for the club?s round 7 match against the Bulldogs at EnergyAustralia Stadium on 24 April.