Jamie Jones-Buchanan says that experience played a big role in Leeds’ Grand Final appearance
While talking to reporters on Thursday, October 6, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, long-serving player for Leeds Rhinos claimed that his outfits’ comeback in the season means something huge for the Club this year. He also mentioned that the clubs experience was what
brought them to the finals.
Rhinos have moved up to the Grand Final berth for the fourth time in five years, after they defeated the expected winners of the semi-final clash, Warrington Wolves by 26-24 after they came in front from a 24-24 deadlock.
Generally, it is believed that that the young blood in the squad plays a vital role in confirming a team’s success. However, without undermining the efforts of the younger lot in the squad, it has been felt that the return of the experienced players had
a huge role to play in the relative late revival of Leeds.
Buchanan was off field for quite a while and he has recently joined in with other Leeds players including; Brent Webb, Kylie Leuluai, Danny Buderus, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Ali Lauitiiti, Ian Kirke, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow.
The veteran’s fitness is on its best, which has been noticed by England’s coach, Steve McNamara, who has taken him on board on England’s elite train-on squad.
Buchanan is pleased with his uptake and pays tribute to Leeds coach, Brian McDermott for gracing him with the opportunity to perform in the world of rugby.
While speaking highly of McDermott, the second rower said, “Brian has come in this year and he's been fantastic. I've absolutely loved it this year. I've thrived under what he's created for us. He brought his own philosophies and systems and for a group
of ageing players like myself, JP (Peacock) and Kevin, it's just revitalised us. I feel as good as I ever have done. I am probably a bit fitter this year and a bit more experienced as well. I'm a lot more confident and I can deal with adversity because I'm
a more developed and mature player.”
He went on and said that the experienced players add value to the squad and also agreed that he had never felt better than this, with his improved energy and fitness.
While comparing himself to Steve Menzies, who is in the dream team at the age of 38, he said that to him 36 is the new 30, which is an amazing feeling.
With this being said the player admitted that the future is very bright ahead if age is taken as just another number.
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