Warrington Wolves star Kurt Gidley insists there is much more to come from him after a stunning first outing for the Wolves.
Gidley put in a dazzling display on his debut for Warrington in their 40-0 pre-season rout of Widnes, kicking five goals in a man of the match display.
Yet despite putting on a masterclass, Gidley is adamant he can produce far more than what was on show in his first outing in primrose and blue.
“There’s definitely areas of improvement in my game,” he said.
“There are some areas I’ll work on in the next couple of months before the season starts. I wanted to play well, that’s for sure. Part of me coming over to Super League was that it brings a whole new challenge for me.
“I’ve achieved some wonderful things in the NRL and in rep footy, but at this stage of my career it’s a great new challenge for me, to win the respect of my new teammates and our fans. It’s a challenge I need at this stage of my life.”
The 33-year-old was utilised at stand-off during the match at Widnes, perhaps an indication of Tony Smith’s plans for Gidley ahead of the upcoming season.
He has spent his career playing either at fullback or half-back, and while most Wolves fans would be delighted to see him stay at half-back following his recent performance, Gidley insists he isn’t particularly bothered where he is selected as long as it is benefiting the team.
“I’ve played on and off in the halves for my whole career,” he said.
“It’s up to the coaching staff where I fit in best, whether that be in the halves with Chris Sandow or at fullback. We’ve got some good depth in the outside backs, so I think I might play in at half-back, but I really like the look of young Declan Patton who I partnered with at Widnes. He’s got a great passing game and really good skills he can offer.
“Playing in the halves, I really enjoy the defensive side of things. I enjoy talking to my centre, my front-rower and even my winger. Defending as a half-back is such an important part of the game and you’ve got to be smart and tough enough to hold up your guard when there are big guys running at you.
“I enjoy that part of the game but I also enjoy the running aspect of playing at fullback and organising the team defensively. There are different parts I enjoy about both positions.”
Despite making a career with his scheming attacking abilities, Gidley revealed it is the defensive side of the game he reaps more pleasure from.
“I think if you’re an honest player you’ll get the most satisfaction out of playing well defensively.
“I know coaches do and as a player if you’re defending well and defending tough that’s the most satisfying thing about any win you get. For me defending well in the halves is certainly an important aspect in a half-back’s criteria.
“Even at fullback it’s a massively important role to organise numbers and be as loud as you can.”
