Today's dummy halves, well the good ones at least, have all tried in some way to copy him, particularly his trademark ploy of moving and drawing a marker while aiming the ball-runner across the advantage line.

He has set standards of defence that have been unattainable by other No.9s. Not only does the volume of defensive work stand him apart, his quality one-on-ones were incomparable.

No opponent was too big or powerful for his ball-and-all tackles.

Danny is another in the very select band of off-field gentlemen who have been ferocious competitors on it, and our game is richer for him having been a part of it.

Tough guy Noel "Ned" Kelly was named Australia's Hooker of the Century and I can understand that. For 80 years, scrums were contests and Ned could play front row or hooker and win the ball.

Steve Walters's career bridged the gap from the old-style hooker to the modern dummy half and did it so expertly, he holds a special place in the game's evolutionary history.

For two decades now, the guys in the middle of the front row have been dummy halves, not hookers, and the 14-year career of Danny Buderus has been played out during those two decades.

Taking into account Danny's toughness, his will to win and the determination to achieve a high level of skill, I've no doubt he'd have been one hell of a ball winner. Had the rules not changed, I think old Ned, as good as he was, might have been in a spot of trouble.

If Danny Buderus enjoys his stint in England as much as all genuine league followers have enjoyed watching him play here, it might just provide him with the rewarding finish that eluded him here in Australia.

NOW, are we any closer to working out which team will join the top three of Melbourne, Manly and Cronulla in the top four?

Recent history tells us it's mighty important because no team from outside the top four has won the title since the inception of the eight-team McIntyre system in 1999.

The Roosters (30 points) are home if they win their last two. They meet the Rabbitohs (H) and Dragons (H). Thirty-four points would put them out of reach of the Broncos (29). The best the Broncos can do is 33 points by beating the Bulldogs (A) and Knights (H).

But the Roosters aren't playing well and will have to find some form very quickly against the Rabbits this weekend, or the Dragons, who appear to be in form, will be too good for them in the last round. A loss there by the Roosters would open the door for the Broncos.

The Raiders and Dragons are both on 28 points and are both capable of a 32-point finish, but the Raiders have the easier run home with the Cowboys (A) and Bulldogs (H).

The Dragons meet the born-again Eels (H) at the weekend, which might turn out to be a season-defining game for both clubs. Then the Dragons finish with the Roosters (A). So the Kogarah kids have still got some work ahead of them.

If the Eels (26) down the Dragons this weekend, I think they'll make the eight because they'll be too good for the Warriors at Parramatta Stadium in the last round.

The Knights (26) have the toughest run of all the Storm (H) this weekend, then the Broncos (A) to finish. Brian Smith's record at Suncorp might help, but Danny Buderus's absence won't.

Anyway, if there's one thing the eight-team play-off system provides, it's a jigsaw puzzle right down to the last round. I'm yet to figure it out.