Kurt Gidley had a complete shocker in the Knights’ loss to the Cowboys on Saturday.
In the words of Gretel Killeen, “It’s time to go.”
What’s more, the Knights have Australian representative Sione Mata’utia playing reserve grade or sitting on the bench.
Sione’s impact was instantaneous when we came on for the Knights in the second half. His runaway try was a sign of what the kid can do, charging straight at, and through, Johnathan Thurston.
Gidley would be perfectly suited for the English Super League and would find his feet in a permanent position, which is something he has struggled to do in the NRL.
Austin or Victor?
Is it just me or is Blake Austin from the Raiders trying to impersonate their mascot Victor the Viking? The goatee-beard and haircut are strikingly similar. If he is looking for inspiration in the almighty Victor it’s working, because Austin has been on fire in his now established five-eighth role.
The Raiders are four and four for the year which is a comfortable record at this stage of the season. Their win against South Sydney showed Ricky Stuart’s team has some potent players. No one gets hammered more than Stuart if things go south, but if there is one club he might actually put it together at, it’s the Raiders.
Clubs should look out around the end of the season if the Raiders are stalking the top eight.
Anzac Day brilliant
Those in the media suggesting sport and Anzac Day are bordering on crossing the line of promotion and respect do have a point and will keep the governing bodies in check, but the games and ceremonies held on the weekend in the NRL couldn’t have been more respectful.
All games featured the New Zealand and Australian anthems, as well as the commemorative ceremonies and The Last Post. For those unable to attend Dawn or Anzac services, the games provide another opportunity to pay respect. They also provide an alternative to heading to a pub or club to participate in Anzac day activities.
Rebuilt Storm
The Melbourne Storm might have lost in a close one on the weekend, but they remain a real player in this year’s fight for the title, sitting in third place with five wins and three losses.
With an injury-disrupted off-season to their ageing stars, many commentators predicted the Storm would struggle this season. Craig Bellamy recently stated that something “wasn’t right” with the team last year that he failed to see and correct at the time. He’s sure found the solution this year, and the addition of Blake Green to complement Cooper Cronk in the halves has been sublime.
Dugan deserving of spot
Josh Dugan has managed to turn his life around, as has been well promoted by the media, but was he really that bad to begin with? All Dugan has done is keep out of trouble and put his best foot forward, which is all he needed to do.
The raw kid who emerged for the Raiders way back in 2011 had so much natural talent he was drawing comparison to the great Brett Mullins. It’s a shame it didn’t work out for the Raiders as Dugan is potentially a premiership-winning fullback such are his efforts and influence on the park.
With hard-head Paul McGregor now pushing Dugan to reach his best, we should finally see him flourish. His Kangaroos berth is a just result for his talent and hard work coming together.
Russell Johnson
Guest
Well if he is ready for ESL how bad a condition must he be in?
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Well the problem is I just don't know when to trust you Benedict.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
I was being satirical.
Maverick1990
Roar Rookie
Jack of all trades, master of none
Sideline Comm.
Guest
There was also three in the tackle when it was stripped.
Mike from Tari
Guest
If you look at Thurstons strip of Gidley you will see the ball is in Gidley's arm on the ground when it is stripped so should have been a penalty to the Knights.
Charles NSW
Guest
Sorry I was thinking of Matt for grand final. Kurt was put in all these positions because ha could handle it. However he was a fullback and did well there until they kept shifting him around. One of the fittest athletes you can find anywhere and tough too. I think too many people put him down which is unfair. He got injured a few times but always did his best. He did not get chosen in these positions for the fun of it but for his ability.
maximus182
Roar Guru
Wrote this as more of a weekend wrap rather than an attack on Kurt Gidley. I'm just of the belief his time is up and he should move on to the Super League. Mano & Sione both deserve to show their skills at the back for the Knights, the problem is Gidley is the captain and therefore Rick Stone won't start him off the bench in jumper 14, which has been his best position his entire career, which is not saying he hasn't been a great player, his just never foud a position which is a shame really because he never dominated the game playing all over the place.
JC
Guest
Always over-rated him, can't wait to see the back of him. Just a sad example of when personal relations/friendships within a club cloud their decision making when it comes to putting the best team on the park.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
I've been watching Gidlety since his junior days. IMO, he is that bad, and many Novocastrians agree.
spruce moose
Guest
You are right Charles. Not many can play in positions such as half back, five eighth, hooker and fullback. Unfortunately for Gidley he never actually excelled at any of them. Gidley never won a grand final (he wasn't in the starting 17 in 2001), nor did he ever win a SOO series. He was/is a staggeringly over rated player. The high point of the drinking from the Gidley branded Kool Aid was when he was baffingly appointed captain of NSW yet not being good enough to command a run on position. He was a good utility player, and he always gave 100%. He was tough as guts. But he was never as good as his reputation made out.
Charles NSW
Guest
What a sad lot of ill will against one of the greats in rugby league. Not many players can play in positions such as 1/2 back, 5/8, hooker and fullback. Represented SOO, Australia and won a grand final. He apologised for putting on a poor display and will try to make up for it. No one is perfect and at least he putsin every effort to do his best.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
He's already signed overseas, stating this is his last NRL season.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Worst players ever to don the Jersey? I know he hasn't been very good for a while, but geez. Way to go over the top.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Gidley is right up there with Adrian Brunker and Robbie Tew as the worst players ever to don a Knights jersey. Gidley's performance en the weekend has been repeated at least a dozen times over his career, with brain snaps happening nearly every other week.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I can't hear the word spurts and not think of Mark Fubby Gasnier
The eye
Guest
Mamo in reserves hurts more than Sione playing in spurts..
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Agree on Tyrone. He's had a shocker the last two weeks. Putting Gidley in the halves and Mata-utia to start as fullback seems the obvious solution, but it's far from perfect. Not only Gidley but SIone too, as I said above.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
I agree in theory that Gidley is done and needs to move on. Luckily he is next year; going to England. This was obviously in the works for a while, and the knowledge he was leaving was probably a major reason the Mata-utias re-signed. However, as good as Sione could be, he's not there yet. He is a bit dodgy under the high-ball, as we saw in the Titans game; he is not great under pressure, as we saw with his little knock on at the back last week; and his defence is not great. On the last one, I notice that Stone has been playing him in the line in defence, which would be good experience. Although Gidley has lost his skills through age and a succession of injuries, he would be very good to have around training and in game to mentor Sione. Sione could be one of the Knights greats if he lives up to his potential, and I for one am glad that the knights seem to be taking his development seriously and are easing him into the game. As it stand, his game needs some improvement and they seem to be working hard to help him. Long term gain and all that.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Kurt Gidley: "Two years.. too long"... I guess it helps when your brother is the ceo. Expect him resign in the next couple of weeks for a further 4 years.