There’s not much in rugby league Matthew Gidley hasn’t achieved.

Since making his first grade debut with Newcastle in 1996, Gidley has won a premiership with the Knights – in 2001 – represented Country Origin, and played for his state and his country.

The classy centre was also a member of Australia’s World Cup-winning side in 2000 and toured with the Kangaroos in 2001. And he’s still going strong.

Gidley remains one of the focal points of the Newcastle attack. It's no coincidence the Knights struggled in 2005 when their strike centre was troubled by injury.

Gidley is regarded among the game’s finest all-round centres, boasting safe hands, watertight defence and a brilliant pass.

The icing on the cake is the famous Gidley flick pass, which opposition defences know is coming but are powerless to stop.

That pass, and Gidley’s telepathic understanding with Timana Tahu, ensured the pair developed a reputation as one of the finest one-two punches in the game.

With Tahu at Parramatta and Gidley aiming to rebound after an injury-plagued year, another Newcastle player is set to benefit. It’s a scary thought for the Knights’ opponents and a mouth-watering proposition for Newcastle fans.