His time at the Newcastle Knights saw him become a revered club figure and his time at the Warrington Wolves have proven no different but despite being well-liked and received, Kurt Gidley has opted to retire at season’s end.
In a rugby league career spanning 17 seasons and a career that saw him play for just two sides in his career – the Knights and the Wolves – the versatile utility made a call to hang up the boots at the end of the season and knew it was probably the right time to do so.
“I had played all my career at Newcastle but always had the desire to come over to Super League,” said Gidley.Warrington was always going to be the club from previous talks with Simon.
“Warrington was always going to be the club from previous talks with Simon.”
A lengthy career with the Knights culminated in some good times and bad times but the club is one he will always cherish, much like the Wolves, whom he is grateful to for giving him a Super League opportunity.
“I’m really grateful that I got the opportunity to play here at the back end of my career and experience playing in Super League for a great club,” continued Gidley.I always had two years in my own head; signing a one-year deal and then extending for another year.
“I always had two years in my own head; signing a one-year deal and then extending for another year.
“I knew deep down that two years was probably the right amount of time although I was open to playing more.”
Whilst playing on was also a decision to consider, Gidley felt as if he had achieved his all in the rugby league and with Warrington needing wins, he hopes to help the side perform well in the later parts of the season.
“Coming into this season, this decision has to do with not wanting to push myself too far and wanting to finish on my own terms,” said the Wolves utility. I’ve never been motivated by money to play an extra year and I’m content with what I’ve done in my career.
“I’ve never been motivated by money to play an extra year and I’m content with what I’ve done in my career.
“I wanted to let my teammates know first and then everyone else as it then helps me move on and enjoy the rest of the year.
I’m content with what I’ve achieved so far at Warrington and I’d like us to finish on a high note.”
Although the Wolves know that losing a player of Gidley’s calibre is never easy to replace, they respect the decision that he has made.
“It’s always tough for a player of his calibre to come up with the decision to retire but we are very supportive of Kurt’s decision,” said Wolves coach, Tony Smith.
“We wish him well in advance of his retirement but he’s got some work left to do and I know he’s looking forward to rolling his sleeves up helping us to get into a better position than we are in at the moment.”