Danny Buderus began his rugby league education at Taree before being snapped up by Newcastle after trialing with both the Knights and St George. It proved to be a momentous signing.

Buderus made his first grade debut with Newcastle in 1997 - but it took four years for his career to truly take off.

In 2001, Buderus enjoyed a breakthrough season, playing for Country Origin, making his Test debut and touring with the Kangaroos.

He also played a key role as the Knights won their second title. The following year Buderus filled in the missing piece of the puzzle, making his State of Origin debut for NSW.

In 2004 the crafty Buderus led NSW to a series win over Queensland and topped his year off by winning the Dally M player of the year award. He was also named vice-captain of the Australian side as the Kangaroos won the inaugural Tri-Nations tournament.

Buderus toured with the Kangaroos again at the end of the 2005 season - again as vice-captain to Darren Lockyer - and returned as NSW captain in 2006. Although the Blues were defeated in the 2006 series, Buderus confirmed himself as one of the game's top players with a phenomenal individual performance in the third game.

Buderus continued his dominance as one of the games' marquee players in 2007 and 2008 again captaining NSW and Australia. He played his 200th first grade game during the 2008 season and announced at the end of the year that he would be finishing off his career with Leeds Rhinos in the UK Super League.

Buderus has a remarkable record in representative football - having achieved the most caps for NSW as Captain (fifteen) and playing the most consecutive appearances for the Blues in State of Origin (twenty one).

Buderus is regarded by many as the best hooker Australia has ever produced.