Buderus in line to make debut Vs Wakefield

Leeds Rhinos: Buderus in line to make debut

Published Date: 10 February 2009
By Peter Smith
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leeds-rhinos-news/Leeds-Rhinos-Buderus-in-line.4962915.jp

Star signing Danny Buderus could make his eagerly-anticipated Leeds Rhinos debut at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in three days' time.
Boss Brian McClennan was today considering whether to include Buderus in his initial 19-man squad, which has to be named tomorrow.

The former Australia and New South Wales captain has not played since tearing a bicep playing for Newcastle Knights last August.

"At this stage we think Bedsy (Buderus) and Ryan Bailey should be available for selection," said McClennan. "They are both on schedule and they have both been doing field sessions with us.

"If they are both in there to play, it will be because we are 100 per cent sure they are ready."

Bailey underwent knee surgery during the off-season and did not take part in any of Rhinos' warm-up games or last Friday's opening engage Super League win over Celtic Crusaders.

Buderus' debut would be a major boost for Rhinos, with the Carnegie World Club Challenge showdown against Australian champions Manly Sea Eagles less than three weeks away.

"The more we strengthen the squad, the better," said McClennan.

"From one to 25, we are happy to select any of those to do a job, but the more we have available and healthy, the more competition there is for positions and the better that is for our squad."

The coach confirmed Rhinos have a concern over centre Keith Senior following the game four days ago.

McClennan refused to reveal the nature of the problem, but he said: "We will monitor him throughout the week.

"He has come up a bit sore, so we will see how he is later on.

"We came through the game reasonably well. The only one with a cloud over him, health-wise, is Keith."