Friday 22 January 2016 09:30, UK
Kurt Gidley will finally run out at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, six years later than Warrington owner Simon Moran had planned.
The Australian international knocked back an approach from Moran while he was in England for the 2009 Four Nations Series but the Wolves boss finally got his man at the end of last season when the utility player brought his 15-year career with Newcastle Knights to a close.
"I met Simon Moran when I came over for a tour in 2009," Gidley, who won 12 caps for Australia, said. "Simon had asked if I was interested in coming around that stage but I was still wanting to achieve a few more things in Australia in the NRL.
"But we kept in touch, from six years ago, on and off over through the years.
"I knew that 2015 was going to be my last year in the NRL and I was ready for a change and a new challenge. I got in touch with Simon again. I didn't talk to any other clubs. It all happened pretty easily for me."
Before finalising his decision, Gidley sought the advice of older brother Matt, the current Knights chief executive who had a successful playing stint at St Helens from 2007-10, and Newcastle all-time great Andrew (Joey) Johns - who played just three games for Warrington in 2005 but still has a big influence on the club.
"I'd spoken to Matt right through his time at St Helens," added Gidley. "I'm great mates with Danny Buderus, who spent three years with Leeds, and with Joey, who came over here and spent time with Warrington.
"They are three guys who I always go to to seek some advice from in all different parts of life, and I know I'll get an honest answer from them.
"They all had a great time coming over with their families - Danny and Matt had small kids at that stage like myself and they all had a great time."
Now 33, Gidley - who captained New South Wales in the State of Origin series - has signed a 12-month deal with an option for 2017 and he insists he is not here for a holiday.
"My mindset is the complete opposite," he said. "I had a great career at Newcastle but I was ready for a change - I grew up there and played my whole career there.
"I achieved some great things in the NRL but at this stage of my life I'm ready for a new challenge.
"To come over to the Super League to a new club and town, I've got to earn my coach's and team-mates' respect through how I train and certainly have to earn my home fans' respect by how I play. For me, that's a great thing to have that sort of challenge in my life."
Watch Warrington Wolves' Super League opener at Leeds Rhinos live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7pm on Thursday, February 4.
