NSW Blues State of Origin plans boosted with Danny Buderus joining Brad Fittler’s staff

WHAT’S THE BUZZ with DAVID RICCIO: NSW’s State of Origin plans boosted with Danny Buderus joining Blues boss Brad Fittler’s staff. PLUS, Roosters fight for Cordner.

Buderus will bring more Origin-winning experience to NSW.

ALL-round champion Danny Buderus has scored the critical job of second in charge of the Blues — appointed assistant coach to Brad Fittler.

Former great Paul Sironen and respected Cowboys football manager Peter Parr will also be part of Fittler’s team.

However, it is Buderus’ inclusion in the Blues’ set-up — alongside Fittler — which will be viewed as the NSWRL’s most positive move.

Ironically, the duo will spearhead NSW for the first time since they combined to lift the shield in the Blues’ victorious 2004 series.

With Buderus captain, the 2004 Origin III victory in Sydney was Fittler’s last match for NSW — made famous by his two-handed salute to the crowd as he scored his final try in a sky blue jumper.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ: Saint, sinner, shoosh

Buderus will bring more Origin-winning experience to NSW.

Like Fittler, Buderus’ blood bleeds blue, having played, captained and worked in a coaching capacity with the NSWRL pathways program for the past three years and, most recently, as the 2017 NSW under 20s coach.

“Freddy rang me and asked, ‘if I go for this job, will you be on board and I said, ‘absolutely, mate’.

“I’ve worked in the pathways and this is the next step for me to help out our seniors. I’m excited — I can’t wait to get stuck into some hard work.’’

That work begins on January 13 when an emerging Blues camp will be held at Narrabeen.

The likes of Kyle Flanagan, Cameron McInnes, Curtis Scott, Jayden Brailey, Latrell Mitchell and Lachlan Croker will be part of the camp.

“It’s about educating the players on how we can break Queensland down,’’ Buderus said.

The Roosters don’t dare let Boyd Cordner leave. Photo: Phil Hillyard

ROOSTERS TIGHTEN THE CORD

Like we all have, the Roosters too have heard the chatter.

That, Newcastle half Mitchell Pearce will act like one of those shiny fishing lures, to haul prized catch Boyd Cordner — one of the biggest names off-contract in 2018 — up the F3 in 2019.

The Knights will need to get moving. Cordner’s management have already received an attractive $1m-plus three-year offer from the Roosters.

NEW DEAL FOR BROWN

STILL in Newcastle, watch for coach Nathan Brown to extend his future by a further two seasons prior to round one of the season.

Brown is off contract at the end of 2018 but Knights boss Phil Gardner has held positive talks with the Knights mentor’s agent, George Mimis.

Both parties are happy to reconvene in the new year to nut out the finer details.

SMITH FIGHTING BACK WITH WARRIORS

Brian Smith is back in the NRL.

The spotlight will be well and truly back on one of league’s great survivors, Brian Smith, in 2018.

Smith, who has coached eight club’s in the NRL and Super League, is in charge of the entire pathways and recruitment program for perennial underachievers, the New Zealand Warriors.

In an email to all media on Thursday, the Warriors PR department outlined where press inquires for the club should be headed next year including; “Second tier football and recruitment matters will be dealt with by Vodafone Warriors general manager — football Brian Smith.’’

NEW WHEELS FOR ALEX

A RETURN to freedom could be just around the corner for Alex McKinnon. The inspirational 25-year-old has a driver’s licence test on Wednesday.

Understandably nervous to be back on the roads three years after being resigned to life in a wheelchair, McKinnon — who recently purchased a modified van — is looking forward to simple things like picking up a coffee with wife Teigan or taking his dogs to the park for a run.

Originally published as NSW Blues State of Origin plans boosted with Danny Buderus joining Brad Fittler’s staff