This weekend Buderus will play his 250th game for the Knights, passing Joey's tally of 249.
The milestone is especially sweet considering Buderus will wind up his dazzling rugby-league career at the end of this season, in which he's been able to recover from a severe back injury that required surgery.
The man considered one of the greatest rugby-league hookers of the modern era told 1233 ABC Newcastle's Craig Hamilton how he feels as he approaches the end of his footy-playing days.
"It's been a long road, but also it's gone quick," he says.
"Especially this week I've woken up just thinking, not long to go, only half a dozen games.
"It's starting to get a little bit scary, to be honest, no football in your life.
"But I'm sure I'm going to be poking around the club and the time's right for me, I'm happy with where I'm at and to close this door, and I'm happy to move on with the next chapter.
"I'm satisfied with what I've done in the game, and to move on with no regrets, I think that will be an easy thing."
Buderus recalls as a young player of 14 being brought down from Taree by his coach to watch the Knights play, and seeing the likes of Paul Harragon on the field.
He says he was "blown away" by the experience and dreamed of playing for the club, but could never have imagined making 250 appearances for them.
As for beating his old mate Joey's record, Buderus says it's a "huge honour".
"He's over the moon for me," he says.
But breaking records and winding up his career are not the veteran player's priority at the moment.
For now, he just wants to stay focused, finish the season strongly and take the Knights into the finals.
You can hear all the live action from the Newcastle Knights v the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday from 7.30pm on 1233 ABC Newcastle. Your Grandstand commentators are Craig Hamilton, Matthew Rodwell and Michael Hodgson. You can also listen via our website at abc.net.au/newcastle.
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