Warrington Wolves’ new signing Kurt Gidley says he is not in Super League to make up the numbers and he wants to help the club return to the top of Super League next season.
Gidley, 33, landed in the UK just over a week ago after 15 years with the Newcastle Knights. The utility player made over 250 appearances in the NRL, and has also represented Australia twelve times, as well as playing twelve State of Origin matches for New South Wales.
He has signed a one-year deal with Warrington, with an option for a second in the club’s favour.
“I haven’t come here to make up the numbers, I’ve come here to repay the club that’s signed me,” said Gidley.
“I want to repay the fans that support the club and I want to be a successful player in a successful team. That comes from hard work. And however much time I’m over here, I want to be able to go home proud of the team’s performances and my role in them.
“I think fans deserve to have high expectations. I watched the Super 8s and it was disappointing from their point of view, so they’ll expect better this year.”
Gidley revealed that Warrington owner Simon Moran has been trying to sign him for some time.
“Andrew Johns, one of my closest mates, played here and that’s where the connection started. I spoke to Simon Moran over the years following Joey being here,” he said.
“He asked me if I was keen to come over here at different times. We struck up a bit of a relationship, but during the late 2000s I wasn’t ready to come over. I still had a few things I wanted to achieve in the NRL.
“But 2015 was my last contractual year at Newcastle. I knew it was going to be my last year in the NRL and I was ready for a change. I’ve always wanted to come to the Super League and experience a whole new team and club and culture. So this was the right time.”
Gidley is primarily a fullback or halfback, but has played across the backline and even at hooker during his career.
“I’ve played the majority of my career at Newcastle at fullback,” Gidley said.
“I think I play my best footy at fullback, but obviously I’ve got the halves stuff up my sleeve if something goes wrong with our halves.”