Danny Buderus /

Year inducted: 2023

True Blue number: 896

Origin number: 172

Born: 6 February 1978, Taree, NSW

Club/s: Newcastle Knights

Position: Hooker

Premiership career: (1997-2008, 2012-13) 257 games, 61 tries, 1 goal, 246 points

First Grade debut: Newcastle Knights v South Queensland Crushers at Marathon Stadium, Newcastle on 23 March 1977

Representative honours: (2001-06) Australia 24 Tests; (2002-08) NSW 21 State of Origins

Other honours: NRL Hall of Fame 2019, Brad Fittler Medal 2008

Danny Buderus carried a highly successful club partnership with Immortal halfback Andrew Johns into the representative arena in the early 2000s where he developed into one of the game’s most accomplished performers.

Born in the NSW mid-North Coast town of Taree, Buderus played junior football as a five-eighth or fullback but it was at hooker that he would make his greatest impression. He made his first grade debut as a 19-year-old in 1997 before cementing a place in the Knights’ team the following season. He was a mainstay for the Knights for the next decade and played a major role in the club’s title success in 2001.

Buderus made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in 2002 and was unchallenged as Blues hooker for seven consecutive series. He was a pillar of the Blues’ triple series triumph from 2003-05 and captained the team in 15 games (2004-08).

His immaculate service from dummy-half allowed Johns to play his best football and the duo enjoyed resounding success for club, state and country.

The record holder for most appearances for the Newcastle Knights (257), Buderus played 21 games for the Blues (consecutively) and 24 Test matches for Australia (2001-06).