Warrington Wolves’ Kurt Gidley admits he’s keen to savour the experience of playing in a big Challenge Cup tie – and admits he’d love to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and win the competition.
Gidley will be key for the Wolves on Saturday afternoon as they take on Wakefield, looking to avoid a similar fate to 12 months ago when they were stunned by Hull KR.
Older brother Matt was a Wembley winner with St Helens in both 2007 and 2008, and Gidley admits having spoken to his brother about the experience of playing in the Challenge Cup, he would love to taste success in the competition himself.
“What brought me to England was I wanted a fresh challenge and test myself in a different competition,” he said.
“But speaking to some guys who have played here in the past when I was deliberating the move to Warrington, they mentioned what it’s like to play in Grand Final matches and finals of the Challenge Cup, so to be within one game of Wembley is exciting for me.
“People said it was an experience I’ll never forget and since I’ve arrived, the hype around the Challenge Cup has made me want to be a part of it.
“We haven’t spoken that much this year but I talk to Matt regularly, and we have mentioned the Challenge Cup. Since he’s retired he mentioned how great an experience it was to win the competition, and I’d love to follow in his footsteps and be part of history.
“I watched plenty of Matt’s games when he was at St Helens – the same with Danny Buderus at Leeds – and I saw some of his Wembley wins, they were incredible. I watched the Challenge Cup a lot at home, it’s a great competition we obviously don’t get at home.”
The Australian half-back insists not too much has been mentioned about last year’s 26-18 defeat to the Robins in the last four – but Gidley has warned that the Wolves will be ready and wary of another upset this time around.
“It hasn’t been spoken about that much from the coach or the squad.
“It’s been mentioned through the year in passing conversation but it’s definitely fresh in the memories of the guys.
“It’s a similar sort of game against a side in a similar place in the table, so we’re definitely not going to underestimate them or be complacent.”
