Buderus primed for Dragons encounter

Newcastle returnee Danny Buderus says Thursday’s NRL opening round match-up with St George will be a “great occasion.”

The 34-year-old hooker, who rejoined the Knights in the off season after a three year stint with Leeds in Super League, has been named in the team to take on the Dragons.

And he says that the prospect of running out afor the opening clash was the motivation which helped him through a particularly tough pre-season under new coach Wayne Bennett

“I’ve been focusing on this occasion for a long time and that’s what has probably gotten me through the off-season,” said Buderus

“It’s been a long and hard one and to run out on that ground is going to be a special occasion, so I’m looking forward to that for sure.”

Buderus says the Knights have performed well in their trial matches but are expecting a different proposition from Thursday night’s encounter.

“I think we’re all looking forward to having a run and working out some combinations. We’ve played the trials but it’s a whole new ball game and this is the serious stuff,” added Buderus.

“We’ve enjoyed each others company and have been training hard, but we all know the training has been for Thursday night.”

“It will be a great occasion with the all the Members and fans and the way everyone at the club has gotten behind this first game. It will be a special night.”

“We want to set a level, be consistent and get better over the coming months.”