When the great Andrew Johns retired, it was always going to take more than one man to fill the void. Thanks to Kurt Gidley, however, the Knights have great hope for life after Johns.

It wasn’t the first time Gidley had been called on to pick up the slack in Johns' absence. When the great halfback was out in 2004, Gidley took over the reins. Quite simply, he stepped up to the plate.

So impressive were Gidley’s performances, he was drafted into the NSW State of Origin squad as 18th man for the opening game of the series.

He failed to break through but was expected to do so in 2005 before injuries intervened. Injury cruelled Gidley, restricting him to a smattering of games and smashing his hopes of a maiden Origin appearance.

He couldn’t be held back any longer come the 2007 season. Shifted to fullback on a permanent basis, Gidley starred for the Knights and forced his way into the Blues side for the opening Origin game.

The gifted five eighth/half made his first grade debut with Newcastle in 2001, quickly showing he belonged in the world’s toughest rugby league competition.

He’s been a fixture in the Knights side ever since. Kurt Gidley has all the skills – good hands, a sharp running game, solid defence and a dangerous kicking arsenal.

He also exhibits coolness under pressure normally reserved for players with many more years experience.