HE’S THE DADDY OF THEM ALL

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JAMIE JONES-BUCHANAN is old enough to be the father of HALF of Leeds’ last line-up.

But the veteran star, who turns 35 next week, insists he’s not ready to be pensioned off yet.

Two more of the Rhinos’ golden era of homegrown stars, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow, are leaving the club this season.

But Jones-Buchanan is desperate to show he’s worth another contract by blitzing holders Hull in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final.

The forward said: “I will be the last man standing from that core of special players, but I am a bit stubborn.

“I was 12 years older than the average of the rest of the team that played Wigan on Friday. But I’m proud to be playing with these kids.

“The only thing that separates this group from the core of players I came through with is time. This group can be stars of the future.”

Picked

Last Friday’s much-changed Rhinos side, which included seven teenagers, were hammered 34-0 and most of the kids won’t be picked against Hull.

But Jones-Buchanan insists coach Brian McDermott was right to rest several first-team stars and take a look at the youngsters.

He said: “I remember getting picked against Wigan as a kid, when they had the likes of Kris Radlinski, Andy Farrell and Garry Connolly.

“It helps you to grow and shapes you. These kids will also learn a lot from playing against Sam Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin.”

Jones-Buchanan, who made his debut in 1999, is out of contract at the end of this season but wants to play on.

The semi-final at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium is one he plans to relish, saying: “Hull are dangerous but we are in a good position.”

Hull won at Wembley for the first time in their history last season, following wins in 2015 and 2014 for the Rhinos.

Jones-Buchanan added: “Hull have got the tenacity, belief and camaraderie to do whatever is necessary to win but we have got some fresh players to come back.”