Rugby League Icon Danny Buderus Praises Former Leeds Coach Brian McDermott’s Impact at Newcastle Knights
In a recent interview, Leeds Rhinos legend Danny Buderus has shed light on how highly regarded former Leeds coach Brian McDermott is viewed in Australia. Buderus, a decorated player in his own right, has praised McDermott’s influence and impact as an assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights.
Buderus, who won a Grand Final with Leeds in 2011 and claimed numerous individual accolades, including the Dally M Player of the Year award in 2004 and three Hooker of the Year titles, represented Australia 25 times and New South Wales’ State of Origin side 21 times. After flying over from Australia, Buderus spoke about McDermott’s role at the Knights, following the recent MND Awareness game at Headingley between Leeds and Leigh Leopards.
“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.”
Buderus went on to explain the impact that McDermott is having on the 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.” Buderus added, “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, of course, is best known for his successful tenure as a head coach, winning Super League Grand Finals and Challenge Cups with Leeds. Buderus expressed his belief that McDermott still harbors ambitions to return to a head coaching role, saying, “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.”
Buderus was full of praise for both McDermott and another former Leeds coach, Brian McClennan, for their positive impact on his career, stating, “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.”
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