Knights send SOS to Gidley

Sun Herald

Sunday July 26, 2009

By ROBERT DILLON

THE Newcastle Knights are counting on the return of inspirational skipper Kurt Gidley to spark a much-needed revival after Friday night's 44-20 hammering by Manly.Gidley has been struggling to overcome a torn rib cartilage he suffered against Melbourne in round 17, and was stood down from Friday's game in the hope he would recover for the crucial home clash with Sydney Roosters next Saturday.Newcastle desperately need to arrest a form slump before their season is beyond salvation.They have won only two of their past six games and, while their top-eight position is in no immediate danger, they are rapidly losing touch with the top four.Knights coach Brian Smith is confident Gidley will return to lead his troops against the Roosters, although he might need painkilling injections to get through the game."We decided to go without him [against Manly], but he could have made the decision to play, and we would have gone with that if he had, which is what he did for Origin," Smith said."But you just never know when he's in that situation whether having the extra week off will make him that little bit fitter when we get further down the track."I guess we could go down that same path again next week, but I don't think there's any way known to mankind that he's not going to play next weekend."Having watched what he saw [against Manly], I think the competitive instincts will take over."Newcastle could be facing a back-line makeover if Gidley and NSW Origin winger James McManus, who is close to returning from an ankle injury, are both available.The form of Gidley's deputy, Shannon McDonnell, has complicated the issue.McDonnell has played five games since his mid-season move from Wests Tigers, and was probably Newcastle's best player on Friday night, scoring a try and enhancing his reputation in tough circumstances.A specialist fullback, McDonnell played on the wing against Melbourne, and Smith might consider giving him more opportunities in that role.Wingers Keith Lulia and Akuila Uate both appear under pressure to retain their positions if Gidley, McManus and Cooper Vuna (shoulder) are cleared to return.There is also a possibility that prop Dan Tolar, who has not played since fracturing his kneecap in Newcastle's season-opening loss to Gold Coast, could be fit.Smith said his players were determined to make amends after their capitulation against Manly.Having led 14-0 early in the game, Newcastle conceded 34 points in the space of 21 minutes in an embarrassing collapse."Adam MacDougall said after the game that he doesn't want to wait until next week," Smith said. "He wanted to play again straight away."Knights hooker Isaac De Gois echoed those sentiments."We've just got to get back on the training paddock and get ready for a big one this week," De Gois said.Smith would no doubt prefer a low-key preparation after the media attention he received last week for signing a four-year deal with the Roosters.But given that he will be coaching against the club he will join next season, it appears certain Saturday's match will again command plenty of media focus.

© 2009 Sun Herald

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