Buderus has spent his entire professional career at Newcastle

Former Australia captain Danny Buderus has signed for Leeds and will play for the Super League champions from 2009.

"This is an opportunity to broaden my life and rugby league experiences while fulfilling career ambitions of playing in England," said the hooker, 30.

He has played 205 times for Newcastle Knights Down Under, made 18 New South Wales appearances and won 24 Test caps.

Leeds chief Gary Hetherington said: "In Danny Buderus we have signed one of the greatest players in the world."

Interview: Brian McClennan speaks to BBC Radio Leeds

He added: "Danny has achieved everything in Australia with the Knights, New South Wales and the Kangaroos.

"Now he will be able to fulfil his dream of playing in England and the opportunity play at places like Wembley and Old Trafford with the Rhinos."

Danny Buderus is the best hooker in Australia and I am excited about seeing him team up with Matt Diskin Brian McClennan

Leeds coach Brian McClennan is delighted to have landed Buderus.

"When I first joined the Rhinos, Danny was the first guy that I thought would really help our team," he revealed.

"I thought that was an area that the club could develop in the future, with a two-pronged dummy half-attack.

"Danny Buderus is the best hooker in Australia and I am excited about seeing him team up with Matt Diskin.

"The partnership that Danny and Andrew Johns had at the Knights was one of the greatest in world rugby league.

"The prospect of Danny working alongside Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire and Brent Webb is an exciting one for everyone connected with the Rhinos."

Newcastle coach Brian Smith also praised Buderus. "He plays at a level others aspire to and has set the benchmark in a lot of areas of play around his own position," he said.

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"There's very few players, even in an era who can do that."

Buderus has spent his entire professional career with Newcastle.

"I have been blessed to play professional football in Newcastle for the last 13 years and I am extremely grateful for the support I have received throughout my career from everyone involved at the Knights," he commented.

"While I have mixed emotions that come with knowing my NRL career is coming to an end, the time was right for me and my young family to make this decision.

"In saying that, I still have a lot more to achieve this year."