Jamie’s stuck in kitchen at party
RUGBY LEAGUE I’D LOVE A L AST DANCE... BUT TEAM COMES FIRST’
JAMIE JONES-BUCHANAN’S brilliant career is at risk of fizzling out on the sidelines.
But the seven-times Grand Final winner insists he’s fine with that... IF it means that his beloved Leeds survive and thrive.
Jones- Buchanan, 38, has just three possible games left before he retires – starting with the relegation four-pointer at London today.
He is fully fit after hamstring and back injuries, but is unlikely to be brought back while the trap door danger is still looming.
If relegation fear lasts until the final game, that means J-B could be left waving his goodbyes to the fans from the touchline.
Fairytale
But this legend of the Rhinos side for the last 20 years insisted: “It’s not about me, it’s about the team.
“God willing, I will get a game but I have been there and done it all in a Leeds shirt and these young lads will be here for years to come.
“Not every player gets a fairytale ending like Kev Sinfield or Danny Mcguire but I don’t mind.
“Time is running out for me to get a game but I am more than satisfied with the time I have had.
“I’d love to play but it will be absolutely fair enough if I don’t.
“The coach Rich Agar has been outstanding, navigating us through this period.
“If Rich says there is no space for me, if it means Leeds have got a better chance of winning, then I will be buzzing for the team. I’ve been trying my best to help Rich.”
Agar ( above) took temporary charge after David Furner was sacked following the defeat to Salford in early May – JonesBuchanan’s last game.
They have improved under Agar and moved up the table, but are still only two points above bottom side London Broncos.
Genius
Victory today will effectively seal survival because of the Broncos’ points difference. But defeat will plunge them back in the dogfight.
London were expected to be Super League’s whipping boys but have been led superbly by former Leeds prop Danny Ward.
Jones-buchanan is not surprised by his pal’s success and said: “When we were in the Academy together he was always the social captain and dressing-room inspiration.
“It is important that players are happy and Danny is a genius at doing that. I always knew he’d get a fair few scalps this year.
“But this game is now a massive challenge for us, our Grand Final.”
Agar hopes to use JonesBuchanan over the final two rounds but warned: “Sentiment won’t override doing what’s right for the team.”