So, when asked to play for longer spells in his last season down under his body couldn't last the full season?

Clearly, although I thought players were still allowed to get injured occasionally.

In addition to the above I believe he played in the City V Country NSW trial match and captained the NSW's team during State Of Origin series which may account for some of the Regular round fixtures he missed, added to the fact that Newcastle had their 'Byes' in round 7 and round 11.

So all in all I'd say the evidence over the course of 2008 doesn't entirely support the proposition of a body failing when asked to perform the full 80, at NRL level at least.

Those stats tell the story I reckon - Buderus was as near to an 80 minute hooker (when fit) as you get. The idea that Leeds may have seen him as an interchange player is bizarre.

Anyway, my only other feeling is that the hooker on the bench has been a bit of a waste of a spot. I'd far rather have a genuine prop/second row than someone who can 'fill in' there, and rely on others having a bash at acting halfback for 10 or so minutes.

regardless who plays there, i'd prefer a 4 forward bench.

Indeed, though it seems we're a dying breed. fans these days seem to care more about what players have done in far off lands than in Blue and Amber. Sad really.

Im def the other way. Id much prefer a versatile back on the bench with 3 forwards. Someone like Lee Smith who can cover any back position gives you so many more options.

Obviously an emotive diatribe designed to provoke response.

What really matters is not what players " have done "...but what players are potentially able to do in THE FUTURE, for the blue and amber. Nostalgia and gratitude for the past will be your undoing...me old mucker. Foresight is required to best facilitate more success.

You can join me at the next ex-Leeds player's dinner and tell David Ward, Bill Ramsey and a few others how little regard yuo have for deeds done past.

Suffice to say we have a different outlook and I know which one has more value.

How many championships did those players win again?

Which players?

psst, I think he means the ones you named in your posts, and then subsequently in the quote he took from your post. Could be wrong like, but I think that's what he means...

The one's you said. I don't know the answer so was asking.

Perhaps you could ask them to lace up their boots and play for the club again to PROPERLY show your gratitude.

Depends how far you take it really don't ya think ?

By the way David Ward was one of my " heroes " in my youth.....but have grown out of that sort of blind unquestioning reverence for a hooker ( or any other player ) as I have got older. : )

I would generally agree with you as long as there were the backs on the field who could also play in the forwards when needed... But it would depend on the opposition. We certainly could have done with more " beef " ( Ambler ) on the bench at Wembley.

Either option would have been better than having a second ( inferior ) specialist hooker only wasting one of those spots : )