ST HELENS coach Mick Potter has hailed the influence of former Australia centre Matt Gidley at the club.
Gidley, who turns 32 next month, committed himself to a fourth season at the GPW Recruitment Stadium by signing a 12-month contract extension on Tuesday.
The former Newcastle Knights star has scored 37 tries in 84 appearances for Saints and created as many for winger Ade Gardner since joining the club as a replacement for Jamie Lyon in 2006. Potter said: “I’m ecstatic. He is good for the team and I’m very happy to have him for another season. He is a fantastic guy and is like a mentor for the younger players. I’m sure he’d even-tually make a good coach in his own right when he decides to hang his boots up. He likes to do that, to pass his knowledge on and that’s been very helpful for the young players.”
Gidley is a slight doubt for tomorrow’s engage Super League clash against Celtic Crusaders with a knee problem but will be assessed today.
Scrum-half Sean Long is fit to return after missing the win at Bradford last weekend with a thumb injury.
Meanwhile Widnes have extended the loans of Warrington pair Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill after their initial one-month spell. The Wolves will have the right to recall both at any time.
