KURT Gidley says immersing themselves in local life is the only way for any potential new signings to settle successfully at Warrington Wolves.

The victory over Hull Kingston Rovers on September 23 was the 35-year-old’s final game as a professional rugby league player, bringing a glittering career to a close.

Gidley was one of four players from the southern hemisphere in The Wire’s squad but has returned to his native Australia having completed his business with Wolves.

Gidley relocated his family to Warrington and took an active part in events around the town during his stint with the club.

He says doing so would be his advice to any new signings Wolves make.

“I think you have to, I got that sort of advice from my brother Matt, who played at Saints for four years,” he said.

“Danny Buderus played at Leeds for three years and he said similar things.

“They both had young families like I have and I think in situations like that, you have to come over with an open mind.

“A lot of people don’t get these opportunites in their life, to move to a different country and a different culture with their job.”

After reaching both major finals, winning the League Leaders’ Shield and making the Super League Dream Team last year, Gidley’s second season with Wolves has been more challenging as the team struggled to replicate or better their achievements of 2016.

The former New South Wales and Australia representative says he felt “in limbo” in terms of enjoying his final season in the game.

Gidley also says preparations for a huge post-season challenge meant he could not stay in Warrington for long after the season’s end.

“It’s been a difficult one to enjoy at times, mentally it has been a bit tougher than last year,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve been in a bit of limbo, I suppose. I knew a while ago that it was going to be my last season and I wanted to enjoy it as much as I could.

“It has been challenging, on and off the park, but I’ve had a wonderful time.

“I’ll only be back in Australia for about 10 days then I’m going up to Everest base camp with a few of my old Newcastle teammates for charity.

“That’s my next little challenge in mid-October and I’m looking forward to it.”

Gidley will watch on from afar as Wolves rebuild their squad for the 2018 season.

Centre Bryson Goodwin and prop Sitaleki Akauola are confirmed to be arriving for next season, with more new additions said to be in the pipeline.

Drawing comparisons with his departure from Newcastle Knights, the club he served for 15 years in the NRL, Gidley says the time is right for all parties to “freshen up.”

“We all get to that stage, players and staff, where we feel like we need a change,” he said.

“I got to that point at Newcastle. I finished there because I was ready for something different.

“The club and Tony are clearly in that frame of mind, as are a few players as well.

“A freshen-up might be great for everyone. It’s up to the new coach who comes in to put their foot down and decide what the best plan is.”