Talent Is Not Enough

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 Kris' 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 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.