Leeds Rhinos legend makes return to coaching with his former NRL club

A Leeds Rhinos legend is back in the coaching game after being appointed as assistant at his former NRL club.

Way before Danny Buderus was writing his name into the history books at Headingley, he’d done the same in the NRL for Newcastle Knights.

Buderus holds the record for the most appearances for the Knights, playing 257 games over two separate stints for the New South Wales club.

His time at Leeds Rhinos was sandwiched between his spells with the Knights and he’s now been confirmed as their assistant coach, and not for the first time.

Buderus took up an interim role with the club in 2015 before transitioning to an assistant role the year after before taking on a number of other roles at the club, including pathways coach.

After a wooden spoon finish in 2025, the Knights are rebuilding under new head coach Justin Holbrook, the former St Helens coach, and he’s now confirmed Buderus as his assistant.

Leeds Rhinos legend Danny Buderus returns to Newcastle Knights’ coaching role

Holbrook’s coaching staff will include the former Leeds Rhinos man Buderus as well as Brett White and Steven Hales.

The reshuffle comes after another former Leeds Rhinos legend, albeit a coach, in Brian McDermott left to join Gold Coast Titans in the role of assistant.

Buderus played under McDermott in the 2011 season when Leeds won the Grand Final and finished Challenge Cup runners-up, with Buderus having also won a Super League crown in his first year with the Rhinos.

Speaking on his appointment, Justin Holbrook told the Daily Telegraph: “Firstly, his character alone, in the way he always played the game is what we need to instill into the group.

“He’s the most capped Knights player and I want to utilise him a lot more in terms of coaching.”

He had previously served as the general manager of football at the club but has more recently been a development manager.

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