News 20/4: Buderus aims to raise the roof

[jamesgould]

Buderus aims to raise the roof
By Karl deKroo
April 20, 2006

NEW South Wales skipper Danny Buderus hopes the atmosphere for Melbourne's first Origin match in almost a decade will rival that of the famed British and Irish Lions rugby union Test of 2001.

The Telstra Dome roof almost lifted during the second Test between the Lions and Australia, and Buderus hopes a similar frenzy can be created for rugby league's fiercest contest.

"I remember watching that Lions match on television and the atmosphere just blew me away," Buderus said.

"Hopefully we can get something similar for Origin. On paper it's a neutral venue, but I hope the passion we all associate with Origin will really come to life."

NSW will surrender home ground advantage for what may well be the series decider, but Buderus said there was no bitterness in the Blues camp about coming to Melbourne.

"It is always tough giving up a home game, but I'm all for having a game down here," Buderus said.

Buderus and coach Graham Murray inspected Telstra Dome and training facilities at the Lexus Centre as part of a whistle-stop tour of Melbourne yesterday.

"It gives you goose bumps just walking out here (Telstra Dome)," Murray said.

"To think when the roof is closed and with a full house, it will be tremendous.

"If I put my selfish coach head on here, I'd rather there be two games in NSW, but the decision has been made to play here and I'll embrace and support it."

Telstra Dome staff were replacing grass on the much-maligned surface yesterday, but Murray said he could see no problem.

About 25,000 tickets have been sold for Origin III on July 5 and league powerbrokers privately concede anything short of a sellout would be disappointing.

"I think there will be very strong interest in this game," Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Pandazopoulos said.

"Especially when you consider since 2003 almost 80,000 people have moved from NSW to Victoria and almost 56,000 people from Queensland to Victoria."

NRL chief David Gallop said the decision to play marquee matches in Melbourne was just one facet of the code's renewed push into Victoria.

"We have made a massive investment in junior development," Gallop said.

"Storm has a new stadium on the way and it is all part of a concerted effort to carve out a niche for rugby league in a pretty tough market."

From: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18864911-23214,00.html

Even though this news doesnt really have anything to do with the Knights, it will be a sad day when Kennedy hangs up the boots. One of the most passionate players ever to pull on the red and blue jersey ...

Kennedy reverses retirement
April 20, 2006

MANLY captain Ben Kennedy has reversed his decision to retire from representative rugby league and has made himself available for Australia for the Anzac Test match.

Kennedy, who today also informed the Sea Eagles 2006 would be his last year in the NRL, said the May 5 Test against New Zealand would definitely be his final one.

"It wasn't easy because I love the game and will miss it but I don't want to be a player who has gone one season too long," the 32-year-old said.

"Playing for my country remains close to my heart and I have made myself available to play if chosen.

"Coach Ricky Stuart had a lot to do with my early career in the game and it would be wonderful to play my last Test match alongside Andrew Johns.

"There is the nightmare of that heavy defeat at the hands of the Kiwis last year to try and set right."

Kennedy said he wanted to end his career on a high and had set his sights on a premiership at the end of the season.

"We can mix it with the best teams - our form against the Cowboys and the Dragons proves that and I want to give it my best shot," he said.

"Hopefully my decision now will make it easier for Manly to look around at what they want to do next season.

"While I love the heat of the battle on match days it has become increasingly harder to get myself up for training."

Manly coach Des Hasler said he understood the reasons behind Kennedy's decision.

"He said when he came he would give us two seasons of everything he had and he continues to do that," Hasler said.

Manly CEO Pat Wilson said the club appreciated Kennedy's early decision.

"We would have given Ben as long as he wanted to make up his mind but he said he would tell us after six rounds and he has done that," Wilson said.

"He is such an inspirational player and leader but he is with us for the 2006 season and that is something the supporters will enjoy in each match he plays."

From: http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18869625-23214,00.html