Matthew Gidley embarked on one of the most phenomenal careers over the course of his 11 years at the Newcastle Knights.
A one-Club NRL player, Gidley accomplished it all in the game from premiership success to representing his state and country.
One of the games best centres in his day, supporters will long remember the 'Gidley Flick' which was a destroyer of teams for many years.
Born and bred in Newcastle, Gidley made his Club debut in 1996 at only 18 years of age.
Originally slated as a five-eighth, 'Gids' transitioned to the centres early in his career and never looked back.
Gidley was apart of the successful 1997 squad, but didn't take part in the Grand Final.
In the following season, Matt established himself in the starting side with a breakout season having scored 12 tries and played a huge role in the side that went through to the Preliminary Final.
Only a year later, the outside-back would earn his fist shot at the representative level.
After producing scintillating football at Club level, Gidley was handed his first green and gold jersey in the Tri-Nations of 1999 scoring a try in a 24-22 loss to New Zealand.
Gidley also played a massive part in Australia's World Cup winning campaign of 2000 having scored four tries, including one in the 40-12 victory against the Kiwis in the final.
In the same season, Matt made his debut for NSW where he notched two tries in an unforgettable 56-16 demolition of Queensland in Game III.
The centre was a constant figure in the Blues side which won the series in 2003 and 2004.
His combination with Timana Tahu became legendary, not only at Club level, but also in the Blues jersey.
The signature 'flick' pass usually had Tahu on the receiving end.
For the Knights, Gidley was one of the best on ground week in, week out.
'Gids' was apart of the Knights premiership squad in 2001 and featured in the Grand Final against the Parramatta Eels.
Gidley played another five seasons at the Knights before departing to play for St Helens in the Super League.
He played 221 games for the Club, which is currently the sixth most of all-time and was named an inaugural inductee into the Knights Hall of Fame.
Matt also went onto became CEO in later years and held the position from 2011-2017.
Gidley is certainly heralded as one of the most dynamic and elite players to pull on the red and blue jersey.
