Kurt Gidley to Remain a Knight
Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - Newcastle Knights
The Newcastle Knights are proud to announce five-eighth, Kurt Gidley, has agreed to terms for another three years.
A local junior, the 24-year-old’s retention was a priority for incoming coach Brian Smith, and Kurt is set to wear the blue and red until at least the end of the 2009 season.
“We’re certainly relieved to have secured Kurt before the June 30 anti-tampering deadline,” said Knights Operations Manager, Stephen Crowe.
“Apparantly there was a lot of interest from rival clubs so now Kurt has agreed to stay in Newcastle, we can turn our attention to the remainder of our 2007 playing roster.”
Gidley, who made his First Grade debut at EnergyAustralia Stadium against the Dragons in August 2001 (Round 24), was part of the Prime Minister’s 13 in 2005 and represented Country in 2004 and 2006.
“I’ve played all my senior football with the Knights and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the club’s plans for the future,” Gidley said.
“Every local junior hopes to one day play for the Knights so to have the chance to see out my career in Newcastle is a dream come true.”
His decision comes with the endorsement of Knights captain, Andrew Johns, as the club begins to plan for life after the star halfback.
“After the recent signing of Jarrod Mullen, Kurt’s signature guarantees the Knights future halves,” Johns said.
“Kurt has a great attitude to every aspect of his football.”
Meanwhile, outstanding Northern Territory talent, James McManus has also agreed to terms for a further two years.
The Knights Premier League centre is ear marked as a future First Grader and is expected to make the top grade as early as next year.
