Fond farewell for Australian star Buderus as he departs on a high

The former Australian captain will return to Newcastle Knights next season as one of a select few overseas players who have won Grand Finals in both competitions.

He joins the likes of Marcus Bai (Melbourne 1999/Leeds 2004), David Furner (Canberra 1994/Leeds 2004) and Daniel Gartner (Manly 1996/Bradford 2001&2003) as one of only 11 to achieve the feat.

But hooker Buderus, 33, admitted: “To come over here as an Australian can go two ways.

“Thankfully, I’m very lucky to have come to an organisation that is run like clockwork and I’m privileged to have been part of this Rhinos team. In the three years I’ve been here we’ve been to four finals.

“I didn’t play in the first one at Old Trafford – and we lost twice at Wembley – but I got the chance tonight and it was awesome to be a part of that.

“I didn’t want to put too much thought into what it would be like if we lost – I’d still have great memories of my team in Leeds – but in the end it’s been a very special night.

“It typifies our season. We showed some guts and determination and that’s what it’s about. We’ve gone through so much as a group and come out of the other side with the win.”

Front-row colleague Jamie Peacock did not mind relinquishing his previous record as being the only player to lead a side to the title from outside the top two.

As Bradford Bulls captain, he helped steer them from third to victory over Leeds in 2005.

But the Rhinos prop said: “What happened with Bradford was good and we won it three years in a row with Leeds up to 2009 as well but I think there was only two clubs really challenging then.

“The league’s tougher now and there are five clubs challenging. To do it from fifth is the best and we’re worthy champions without a doubt. The character of the boys to come back from 16-8 in wet conditions like that was immense.”