OPENING GAMES
JAMIE JONES-BUCHANAN plans to tap into his “gladiator alter ego” to help Leeds defend their Super League title.
The Rhinos star is convinced he can achieve anything because of his fearsome warrior mentality based on Russell Crowe’s legendary character Maximus Decimus Meridius.
And he admits he even imagines himself as the star of a Hollywood spectacular at times if the going gets tough.
It’s a recipe for success that JJB hopes will steer his hometown club to more glory this season.
He said: “I’ve always had this warrior mentality and love films like 300 and Gladiator because that is how I approach every battle.
“Every game, you are going to war with your friends, fighting for something that you are identified by and love – it is a real honour to do.
“Sometimes there are battles that you cannot win but I always play with pride because I would do anything, within the rules, to get the result for Leeds.”
The forward has won seven Grand Finals with Leeds and only injury prevented him from playing in the
2015 Old Trafford victory.
But Jones-Buchanan, 36, has even turned that disappointment into a positive. He said: “It is all about the team.
“I tore the quad off my knee in the
2015 semi-final which meant I missed a final for the first time in 18 finals.
“But I saw it as sacrificing myself in a sort of Hollywood narrative for the good of the team. I did not mind because I love Leeds so much.”
Jones-Buchanan is one of only two Super League players who made their Thursday, February 1 Hull v Huddersfield (8pm) Warrington v Leeds (7.45pm) Friday, February 2 Sunday, February 4 Widnes v Catalans (3pm)