Buderus aiming to repay Bennett

Veteran Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus feels indebted to coach Wayne Bennett for bringing him back to the club where he started his career.

Buderus was thrown an NRL lifeline when he received an approach from the newly-appointed Bennett during the off-season.

The 34-year-old Australian international jumped at the chance to return to the Knights, despite enjoying two successful seasons with Leeds in Super League.

“I was just proud to get a call from Wayne when he did take the reigns, because I was more than comfortable there at Leeds,” said Buderus.

“I was under contract, but it was great to have the opportunity to play under Wayne at my home club.”

Buderus says he’s honoured to pull on the Knights jersey again and wants to repay the faith shown in him by veteran coach Bennett.

“That’s the big thing, every game I want to play well for the club but also repay Wayne for getting me here,” he said.

Buderus also admits he matured as a player during his time with the Rhinos and wants to bring his experience to bear with the Knights.

“It was great to get away and clear my head. Things back then probably used to get to me, things would be said and you would feel the pressure,” Buderus explained.

“These days I feel like it takes a little bit more to get to me pressure wise. I’ve come back with a whole new attitude and I want to do as well as I can for this club.”