WARRINGTON Wolves have secured the services of Aussie half-back Kurt Gidley for next season after agreeing a new one-year deal until November 2017.
Gidley, 33, joined the club ahead of this season having previously been a one-club man for NRL side Newcastle Knights.
He has made 10 appearances in the Primrose and Blue to date, establishing a successful partnership with half back partners Chris Sandow and Stefan Ratchford. He’s crossed for three tries and been on target with 39 goals.
His debut was in Round One of the First Utility Super League season away to Leeds Rhinos earning club heritage number 1122.
Gidley said: “I’m excited to be staying for another year. My plan was always to play for two years. My family – my wife and two girls – and I have been really enjoying our time here in Warrington – living in Stockton Heath. It’s been really enjoyable for the short time we’ve been here so far and we are looking forward to staying longer.
“The reasons behind me wanting to come to England and the Super League were that I wanted a change to what I was doing in Oz and at Newcastle Knights and I was after a challenge in life and in footy. This has certainly been delivered. The change of lifestyle has been great and Super League has been challenging with some really tough games. We’ve started the year pretty strongly and we hope to keep it going.
“One of the things I noticed from our tough pre-season training – when we were pushed pretty hard – was that there is plenty of talent throughout the team. Ben Currie stood out for me when I arrived. He is a fantastic player but there are many others I could name too.
“I’m really enjoying having Tony as head coach as well as working with Rich Agar, Lee Briers and all the performance staff at the club. Everyone has been really helpful and it’s been a great transition for us.”
Tony Smith, head of coaching and rugby, added: “I’m pleased for Gids. He’s already shown his experience, knowledge and temperament. His professionalism off the field has been fantastic as well as on the field. He’s been a really good contributor for us and we are confident he’ll be able to produce that again for another year after this. He is loving it and has embraced the challenge over here; he and his family enjoy living here too and the challenge that can bring. When players settle as quickly as he has it makes it easy to look at the future and I’m pleased to say he’s going to be here for another year after this. I have enjoyed my time working with him so far and I think that it will only get stronger.”
