Danny Buderus reveals the opinion of Brian McDermott in Australia

In a recent interview, Leeds Rhinos icon Danny Buderus has revealed how Brian McDermott is viewed in Australia.

Buderus, as well as being successful with Leeds Rhinos with a 2011 Grand Final victory, he won the Dally M Player of the Year award in 2004, and Hooker of the Year three times, as well as representing Australia 25 times and New South Wales’ State of Origin side 21 times.

He recently spoke about former teammate Rob Burrow at the MND Awareness game at Headingley between Leeds and Leigh Leopards, after flying over from Australia.

Speaking on ‘Box Two‘, with Leeds Rhinos, he talked about Brian McDermott, former manager of Leeds and now assistant coach at Newcastle Knights.

“Yeah, it’s so good to have the Brian McDermott at Newcastle,” said Buderus. “He’s very successful isn’t he? He knows what wins games, he knows what a team looks like that should be in a position to win games.

“He’s got his boxing mentality over there, he’s got the players with their boxing legs, he’s got a real good understanding of what it takes to be a middle forward in the game.”

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Danny Buderus on Leeds Rhinos legend Brian McDermott

Buderus went on to explain the impact that McDermott is having on Newcastle Knights, saying: “So he’s looking after the middles, he’s looking after defensive strategy, he’s implemented a whole new defensive strategy within the club which the players have really taken to and really performed and statistically they’ve done really well.”

“But it takes a lot of effort, you know, so the players are still, the new ones coming through, all through the club is pretty much through what Brian is trying to coach and he’s leaving a legacy there.”

McDermott is, of course, best known as a head coach, winning Super League Grand Finals and Challenge Cups in his time at Leeds.

Buderus continued: “I’m sure he harbors ambitions to still be a head coach and he has got the ability to be a head coach, there’s no doubt about that.

“Very thankful he’s at my club – the Newcastle Knights. I know how he works being here and you know, I’ve had Brian McClennan and Brian McDermott here.

“The two Brians were so good for me in my career. Both different sort of coaches and loved what they were about. I saw Bluey on TV the other day, he was such an integral part of my success here at the Rhinos.”