THE BUC STOPS HERE
Rhinos legend may bow out gameless
London v Leeds Today, 3pm
JAMIE JONES-BUCHANAN’S hugely decorated career is at risk of fizzling out on the sidelines.
But the seven-times Grand Final winner is fine with that if it means his beloved Leeds 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 that remains the case until the final game, Jones-Buchanan could be left waving his goodbyes to the fans from the touchline.
But one of the legends of the Rhinos side for the last 20 years insists: “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 all players get 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’ve had. I’d love to play, but it will be fair enough if I don’t.
“Rich Agar has been outstanding, navigating us through this period and creating a new identity.
“If Rich says there is no space for me, if it means Leeds have got a better chance of winning, then I will still be buzzing for the team. I’ve been trying my best to help Rich.”
Agar took temporary charge when David Furner was axed after the defeat to Salford in May – Jones-Buchanan’s last game.
They have improved under Agar and now lie eighth, but are only two points above bottom side London.
Victory today would effectively seal their survival, because of the Broncos’ disastrous points difference.
But defeat would plunge them back into the dogfight.
London were expected to be Super League’s whipping boys, but have been led superbly by former Leeds prop Danny Ward.
And Jones-Buchanan says he is not surprised by his old pal, adding: “Even when we were in the academy together, he was always the social captain and the 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.
“This game is a massive challenge for us. This is our Grand Final because, if we win, we should be there or thereabouts because of the points difference.”
Agar admits he hopes to give Jones- Buchanan a game at home to Salford next week or in the final home game against Challenge Cup winners Warrington.
But he warned: “That would be fitting, but we will be picking teams based on getting results.”