WARRINGTON Wolves head coach Tony Smith has paid homage to Kurt Gidley after the veteran half announced his retirement.

Gidley will retire at the end of the season after two seasons with the Wire, in which he made 48 appearances, scored 274 points and made appearances at Wembley and Old Trafford with the club.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith has heralded his general, who made 250 appearances in the NRL for Newcastle Knights before moving to Super League.

READ MORE: Gidley's Wire career in pictures.

Smith said: “It’s always tough for a play of his calibre to come up with the decision to retire but we are very supportive of Kurt’s decision – it’s a very personal one.

“I think he’s a quality person and a quality player – his resume speaks for itself and he’s certainly added to the culture in his time here.

“He gives it all and has been a real warrior for two clubs.

“He’s not been somebody who’s bounced around from club to club throughout his career, he’s been very loyal to his home club in Newcastle Knights and then loyal to us as well.

“He will continue to give it his all too, because that’s the kind of person he is.

“We wish him well in advance of his retirement, but he’s got some work left to do and I know he’s looking forward to rolling his sleeves up and healing us to get into a better position than we are in at the moment.”

Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick also paid tribute to Gidley’s ‘stellar career’.

He said: “On behalf on everyone at the club I would like to thank Kurt for his contribution, both off and on the pitch.

“Kurt has had a stellar career and should be really proud of everything he has achieved in the game.

“Knowing Kurt’s characteristics, I’m confident he will be a success in whatever new vocation he applies himself to.

“I’m also aware that Kurt wants to end his career in the right way and will be pulling out all the stops to ensure he goes out in a positive manner.”