KURT Gidley says he and his family have “made friends and memories they will cherish forever” from their time living in Warrington.

Wolves’ veteran playmaker announced is retiring from rugby league at season’s end, bringing a glittering career on both sides of the globe to a close.

After joining The Wire ahead of the 2016 campaign, Gidley moved his family from their home in Newcastle, New South Wales and has immersed himself in local life.

The 35-year-old says the similarities between Warrington and Newcastle have made the place feel like home.

“We will miss the place so much, we’ve made some of our best memories here,” he said.

“Warrington and Newcastle are one-team towns that love their rugby league, real blue-collar towns with working-class people that love the sport.

“I’m just really glad that I came to Warrington and the people of the town have really accepted us and taken us to their hearts.

“The kids have made friends for life and we’ve made memories we will cherish forever.”

Gidley admits there is one particular part of life in north west England he will miss more than most.

“The first thing we’ll miss is Christmas, which is totally different here,” he said.

“We’ve had two here and we just loved a cold Christmas with everything lit up at 4pm because it’s dark.

“That works better for us because the kids are young and it doesn’t get dark in Australia until around 9pm in summer when the kids are in bed!”

During his two-year stint with The Wire, Gidley has picked up Challenge Cup and Grand Final runners-up medals but played a key role in winning the League Leaders’ Shield.

He was also named in the 2016 Super League Dream Team after a stellar first season with the club.

When asked to pick an on-field highlight, however, the Australian international was torn.

“I couldn’t split the two finals from last year. It was an outstanding season, getting to play in the two biggest games you can play in over here,” he said.

“I did a tour of Old Trafford in 1995 when I was over here playing for Australian Schoolboys, 21 years later I was playing there.

“It was surreal to play at two grounds that are so well-known around the world.”

Gidley will play his final game on Saturday when Wolves welcome Hull Kingston Rovers to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

In an age where many players are forced to retire due to injury, Gidley admits being able to call time on his own terms is a relief.

He also said The Wire’s poor form this season played no part in his decision.

“I spoke to Tony earlier in the year and told him it was looking like my final term,” he said.

“Talking to somebody about it helped rather than just coming to the decision myself.

“It’s not because of what’s happened this year, I just feel like it’s the right time mentally and physically.

“I wanted to be able to retire on my own terms rather than be forced out by injuries or bad form so it is nice to be able to do that.

“I’ve had a great couple of years here and have played in the majority of the games. I wanted to play in as many games as I possibly could and I’ve managed to do that.”