WHILE he may be a veteran of some of rugby league’s biggest games, Wolves stand-off Kurt Gidley says Saturday’s Super League showdown will top the lot.

The Australian has never appeared in a Grand Final after spending his entire NRL career with Newcastle Knights.

The 34-year-old has represented each of New South Wales in the State of Origin series and his country on 12 occasions but says walking out at Old Trafford against Wigan will be the pinnacle.

“It’s certainly right up there. I’ve played in some big games but this is as big as it gets for me,” he said.

“Everyone wants to be in a Grand Final team and certainly a winning team.

“We started training in November and this is the reason we have been working so hard all year. It’s been a lifelong dream for me to win a Grand Final and now we have the chance.

“I’m still playing today because I want to achieve a Grand Final win. I’ve always believed my time would come and here it is.”

With the NRL Grand Final taking place last Saturday, top-level rugby league in Australia is now finished until the 2017 season begins in February.

Gidley says there will be plenty of eyes on the Super League decider Down Under and confirms one particularly keen observer will be flying over for the game.

“My dad’s coming over for the third time this year. Mum and dad have followed me throughout my career but unfortunately mum couldn’t get time off work,” he said.

“My dad would be in tears, if we won the Grand Final and he is here to see it.

“Now the NRL is over, there will be plenty of eyes on this game back at home, people still want their footy fix.”

“I’ve received plenty of texts wishing me luck and wishing the Wolves luck from back home. It’s a great occasion to promote Super League worldwide.”

Gidley also knows he does not have to look too far from home for advice on appearing on the biggest stage European rugby league has to offer.

Often seen as key to marshalling this young Wolves side, he said keeping things simple would be the key to victory.

“My brother played in four at Saints and didn’t win any, I know Danny Buderus won a couple at Leeds as well,” he said.

“Both of those guys have been great to me in terms of mentoring and advice both on and off the pitch.

“The bigger the game, the simpler it has to be. Good ball control, a solid kicking game and a good kick chase will not see you far wrong as well as working extremely hard defensively.

“All those little parts combined are why the best teams win these games.

“I’ve got a set routine I like to do for every game. From 48 hours before the game I do the same things and it will be no different this week.

“It’s pretty important for myself and for anybody going into big games.”