Former Leeds Rhinos star in awe of redeveloped Headingley Stadium

Danny Buderus is one of the biggest names to ever play in Super League.

A former Australia and New South Wales skipper, he was a State of Origin winner as well as an NRL Champion with Newcastle Knights in 2001.

The respect Andrew Johns has for him is a major indicator of how good he was too with the pair good friends and Johns considering Buderus as key to that Newcastle side.

He was also key to a superb Leeds Rhinos side.

Buderus added a little extra quality to a Leeds side who were already reigning Champions going into 2009. The hooker missed out on helping the club make it to three titles in a row due to a leg injury but in 2011 he would be central as Leeds reclaimed their title in Buderus’ last game for the Rhinos.

He was Man of the Match in the semi-final and had an assist in the final teeing up Carl Ablett for a key try in the win over St Helens.

He left after that game but has always loved Leeds and he recently returned to the newly redeveloped Headingley stadium and he was certainly impressed.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, he said of his recent tour of his old stomping ground: “A couple of things really stood out for, the passion Gary always had, he spoke about the history not only about the Rhinos but the game as a whole.

“His knowledge of the game and how it started, all the touring party was loving every word. They were really respecting the history and everything about the Rhinos is there on the wall there.

“Just the way that they’ve done it, it’s class, it’s real class.

“Having the cricket ground next to it, it’s a 365 day facility now.”

He also joked about the newly revamped changing room: “It’s definitely changed, big changing rooms you don’t usually see changing rooms as big here.”

He ultimately believes the Rhinos are in a good place: “Leeds Rhinos had a big end of the year and it looks like everyone is in a good space there. Loved seeing Gary and loved the tour.”

🗣️ 'Everything about it is first class.'

🏉 @leedsrhinos Grand Final winner Danny Buderus was certainly impressed when he paid a return visit to Headingley this week.

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— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) November 18, 2022