The nib Newcastle Knights have welcomed Kurt Gidley back to the Club as he takes up a role within the commercial team.
As Business Development Executive, Gidley will be supporting all business streams at the Knights, covering sponsorship, corporate sales, community and game day activations.
Gidley, who played 251 NRL matches for the Knights between 2001 and 2015, recently returned to Newcastle after playing with the Warrington Wolves in England for the past two years.
Starting his role on Monday, Gidley said it was great to have the Club’s polo back on again.
“It is good to be back and seeing some familiar faces but also some new faces, which is exciting for the team and the whole town,” Gidley said.
“I am really excited to be back in Newcastle… my family and I have settled in over the last couple of months and I’m ready to get into something new and I’ve been fortunate enough to have a role back here at the Knights.”
The former Australian and NSW representative admits it will be a little different to what he’s used to but is excited to take up the new challenge.
“I am excited about learning some new skills and being back out in the community, meeting some new people, sponsors and corporate partners,” explained Gidley.
“I am really passionate about my Club and Wests being my junior club, so it is really good timing for myself to be back in Newcastle and having a role back at the Knights.”
Gidley admits the Knights have always been a big part of his life and thankfully he’ll continue to keep that connection.
“There are so many great memories over the years as a player but also being a young kid growing up in Newcastle and being grateful enough to spend my whole career playing at the Knights,” he added.
“I played all my juniors at Wests so I have a really soft spot for Wests Newcastle and I’m really passionate about both clubs and the community.
“I really wanted to give back… and I am looking forward to sharing my experience with the current players and sponsors.”
Gidley maintains it will be great to learn the other side of football.
“For me it was about learning a new part of the football department and the admin side of it,” Gidley explained.
“I have always enjoyed meeting new people and I think as you get older and more experienced through your career, the opportunities where you meet at luncheons and season launches or whether it is just out in the community at charity events, I’ve always enjoyed those types of roles and responsibilities I’ve had as a player.”
