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Gidley, Kurt |
  Kurt GIDLEY [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Kurt Gidley Knight for life Tue March 11, 2008 Source: www.newcastleknights.com.au Star fullback, Kurt Gidley has moved a step closer to becoming a Knight for life, agreeing to a long term deal to stay at the club. 25-year-old Gidley's decision to sign with Newcastle for a further three years with a fourth year option comes as a major boost to the Knights as the club continues to re-establish itself as a major force in the NRL competition. Speaking at today's announcement, Gidley said a combination of family, lifestyle and the club's future direction helped make his decision. "I think the club is in great shape and I want to be part of an exciting future," Gidley said. "My personal game has improved under Brian Smith's mentoring but as a local junior you want to join players like Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson and my brother Matt with the rare privilege of playing a one club career." A Wests Newcastle junior, Gidley became the club's 15th International last year when he made his Test debut after two strong performances for New South Wales. He won every senior Knights award last season and resumes 2008 with 112 NRL appearances. "I owe everything I've achieved so far to my family and the Knights so the opportunity to stay means a lot to me," he said. "To play for Newcastle and its supporters is an honour and I think we are moving in a direction that will make our fans extremely proud. It all begins this weekend against the Raiders." "It's great to have everything sorted out before Round One so now we can concentrate on football and starting the year on a winning note." Newcastle CEO, Steve Burraston, who coached Gidley in the Knights junior grades, said Kurt's signature is important for local football. "Kurt is proof you can realise your dreams here in Newcastle and by playing for New South Wales and Australia he has made us all extremely proud," he said. "It's so important for us to secure an elite, home grown talent and to essentially make Kurt a one team player. "Kurt's brother Matthew and the Gidley family have been an important part of the Newcastle Knights for many years and we're extremely happy to continue our relationship." Coach, Brian Smith says Gidley's retention is a significant factor moving forward, particularly in the lead up to the season opener. "It's not just what he is on the field - it's what he is to us off the field," Smith said. "It's hard to talk up too much just what Kurt brings to our team and to our whole club. "He's an Australian rep player, he's a State of Origin player, he's our fullback, he's our goal kicker and he's probably our future captain. "But the versatility of him is that he's probably our shadow half back, five-eighth, centre, lock and hooker. He can play all of those positions for us and that offers tremendous value. "Jarrod Mullen started the ball rolling for us last year with the elite players in the club wanting to re-sign for extended periods," Smith said. "It not only engenders confidence throughout the whole club but we are starting to get that feel back that Newcastle is a place other players want to come to." "He would have to be a likely future captain for our club but the captaincy issue is a public acknowledgement because he is already a leader at our club." Gidley has been named at fullback for this weekend's season opener against the Raiders at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Coach Brian Smith's 20-man squad includes 2008 recruits Wes Naiqama, Chris Houston, Matt Hilder, Richard Fa'aoso and Danny Wicks. James McManus and Cooper Vuna resume the year on the wing while Naiqama joins dual Premiership veteran, Adam MacDougall in the centres. Daniel Tolar and Jesse Royal have emerged from a pre-season of intense competition to join Captain, Danny Buderus in the front row, while Zeb Taia and Chris Houston make up the back row with Steve Simpson starting at lock. News sent by: www.newcastleknights.com.au Gidley wins Knights Player of the Year award Wed September 12, 2007 Source: www.newcastleknights.com.au Details of the 2007 Newcastle Knights major award winners are listed below. 2007 First Grade Awards Player of the Year: Kurt Gidley Excalibur Club Players Player: Kurt Gidley Highest Point Scorer: Kurt Gidley (124 points - 7 Tries, 47 Goals, 2 Field Goals). Leading Try Scorer: James McManus (10 Tries). 2007 Premier League Awards Player of the Year: Scott Dureau Excalibur Club Players Player: Riley Brown 2007 Club Awards Jack Newton Rising Star Award: James McManus Clubman of the Year: Cory Paterson News sent by: www.newcastleknights.com.au
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