Book description
Danny Buderus is a record maker in the toughest rugby league
competition in the world. The New South Wales captain in every match
from 2004-2008, Buderus holds the record for most successive appearances
(21) of any NSW State of Origin player as well as most as captain (15).
Added to that he was unchallenged as Australia's Test hooker from
2001-06 when he controversially decided to stand down to witness the
birth of his wife Krisà  first baby. This is not a traditional
autobiography tracking the career of the Dally M Medal winner and grand
final victor from the Newcastle Knights, but a revealing insight into
the pressures, demands and lifestyles of professional rugby league at
the highest level. Buderus opens up like never before to take the footy
fan behind the scenes à Â- to his traumatic introduction to the
captaincy of NSW in 2004, the match that saw Anthony Minichiello and
Mark Gasnier sacked for drunken off-field behaviour; to how he endured a
level of constant pain and injury that few players could have tolerated;
and his views on why the international game needs an overhaul. He gives
his views on why players are leaving the grind of the NRL for the
English game or rugby union and a best-mate's insight into the game's
greatest player Andrew Johns. He lists his most respected opponents,
takes the reader into the heart of Origin battles and gives his
perspective on the impact of the controversial clean-out of his beloved
Newcastle Knights under coach Brian Smith. There is also plenty of
humour and emotion and, mostly, genuine motivation for aspiring NRL
players from one of the most respected and courageous players the sport
has seen. Neil Cadigan is a respected rugby league journalist and
author. A former editor of Big League magazine, and NSW editor of Rugby
League Week, he has also worked as CEO of English club Wakefield and as
marketing manager of the Newcastle Knights and Hunter Mariners. A former
Australian Sports Writer of the Year, Neilà  s previous books include
the autobiographies of Parramatta legends Ray Price and Bretty Kenny.
His last book was The Two of Me, the bestselling autobiography of
Leagueà  s favourite son, Andrew Johns. The Newcastle Knights' Dally M
Award winner, Danny Buderus, is a record-maker in the toughest rugby
league competition in the world. The NSW captain in every match from
2004-08, he holds the benchmark for the most successive appearances (21)
of any NSW Origin player, as well as most as captain (15) and was
unchallenged as Australia's Test hooker from 2001-06. He has spent the
last season playing for English club, Leeds Rhinos in the UK's Super
League.
