Newcastle Knights have announced former Australian hooker Danny Buderus will return to play for the club in 2012.
Buderus left the Knights in 2009 after 11 seasons in the NRL to apparently see out his career after signing a three-year deal to play with Leeds in the English Super League.
However, new Knights owner Nathan Tinkler made it public that he desperately wanted the former club captain to return to the Newcastle team and was able to negotiate a deal with the Rhinos to release Buderus from the final year of his Super League contract.
Knights chief executive Matthew Gidley said the return of Buderus was another coup for the club.
"It is fantastic news that Danny will play his final year with the Newcastle Knights," Gidley said.
"I'm sure every Knights Member and fan, and even supporters of other NRL Clubs, will be happy to hear we have been able to work through this with Leeds and bring him home."
"Danny was always a popular member of the team, not just for his on-field brilliance but for the person he is off the field."
"We wish to thank Leeds for their cooperation and professionalism in working through this process to bring Danny back to the Knights."
Buderus, who played a total of 221 games for the Knights after signing with the club as a teenager, said he is thrilled to be able to return to a Wayne Bennett-coached Newcastle team.
"I have seen from afar what is happening at the Knights and now to be apart of it is an amazing opportunity," Buderus said.
"I would like to thank Paul Caddick and Gary Hetherington for allowing me the opportunity to return to the Knights.
"My family and I have enjoyed our time in Leeds, we have made lifelong friends and take home with us many happy memories."