Newcastle legend Danny Buderus on the Knights’ long-running debutant tradition

IT’S Newcastle’s baggy green. That’s how Knights legend Danny Buderus describes the club’s tradition of presenting debutants with red and blue caps.

Mitchell Pearce of the Newcastle Knights at the NRL 2018 season launch in Sydney. Picture. Phil Hillyard

IT’S Newcastle’s baggy green.

That’s how Knights legend Danny Buderus describes the club’s tradition of presenting debutants with red and blue caps.

Buderus was on hand at Hunter Stadium on Thursday to officially welcome the club’s nine new players to the Hunter.

It’s the most number of Newcastle debutants since the club’s maiden competition match in 1988.

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Buderus felt privileged to continue the Old Boys’ tradition of bestowing debutants with caps like the Australian cricket team.

“We take pride in the caps and it’s like our baggy green,” Buderus told The Daily Telegraph.

“I was really honoured to be there and present the caps — it was a special moment.

“Nine debutants is the most since the club’s first season in 1988. I also saw the boys do their initiations, which was a sing or a dance, so it was a great moment.

Coach Nathan Brown with former stand in coach Danny Buderus at training session. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

“It just shows that our Old Boys are such a vital part of the club’s history and success.”

The baggy red and blue tradition wasn’t around when Buderus made his first grade debut in 1997, but he has since received his own personalised cap.

The former Newcastle and NSW captain bleeds red and blue and can’t contain his excitement about the upcoming season for his beloved Knights.

Buderus is particularly excited about the club’s cast of debutants, as both players and people.

“Something that really stood out was when they all came up, shook my hand and looked me in the eye,” he said.

“Straight away that’s a great sign when you’re meeting someone. All those guys made you feel appreciated straight away.

“That’s an important quality at Newcastle when we are trying to rebuild.”

Buderus pinpointed halfback Mitchell Pearce as a key to the Knights’ success this season.

He believes the former Roosters playmaker is ready to take his career to another level in 2018.

Mitchell Pearce at the 2018 season launch in Sydney. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“I think Mitchell’s class is what has got everyone excited, which has been missing in Newcastle for a big part of the last decade,” he said.

“The fans feel we’ve got someone who can steer them home in the tight games.

“Mitchell also wants to be a real leader in the team and he is excited about putting his own stamp on the team and making it his own.

“But it is going to take a while and I think everyone needs to be patient.”

Newcastle, though, are pumped at the prospect of having a competitive team this season.

The club has already pre-sold in excess of 22,000 tickets for Friday’s clash against Manly, while all the corporate boxes have been sold out for months.

Buderus couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a sign that the town is on board,” he said.

“Coming off three wooden spoons and it has been a tough decade, so now it is time for a new beginning.”

Originally published as Newcastle legend Danny Buderus on the Knights’ long-running debutant tradition