I'm Ready To Go

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday June 3, 2008

NEIL GOFFET RUGBY LEAGUE

KNIGHTS livewire Kurt Gidley has been cleared to return from a fractured cheekbone, paving the way for him to be rushed into the NSW team for Origin II at Suncorp Stadium.

The Herald understands Blues officials contacted the Knights yesterday to confirm Gidley had been cleared, indicating selectors will show faith in the Test utility despite him missing four weeks of football leading into the game.

The team to tackle the Maroons in game two of the series will be announced in Sydney at 7.30 this morning. Should the 25-year-old be overlooked he will be available for the Knights' clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday at ANZ Stadium.

Gidley suffered a fractured right cheekbone in a head clash with Maroons lock Dallas Johnson in the opening minute of the Knights' 18-4 loss to Melbourne on May 12 at Olympic Park.

He has since had corrective surgery on his cheekbone which involved having two plates inserted into his cheek.

"I saw the specialist today, and he and [Dr] Neil Halpin gave me the all-clear to play," a relieved Gidley said yesterday.

"I've got a good result today, and I'm ready to go if they pick me."

The effervescent Knights fullback has been training for the past week and is confident he will handle the pace of Origin football.

Continued Page 60

Gidley set for Origin recall after doctors give all-clear

From Page 64

"I don't know how the selectors will go, but I'd be in contention I guess," Gidley said.

"I was back at training last week, and I'm pretty happy with my fitness at the moment, so I'm ready to go."

Meanwhile, Knights forward Mitchell Sargent has found a new home after signing to play with the Castleford Tigers in the English Super League.

The former Parramatta, Melbourne and North Queensland forward was given permission by the Knights to test the open market two weeks ago, despite being contracted to the club until the end of 2009.

Sargent has been released by the club and is packing up his Belmont North home as he waits for a visa. He could be in England within a fortnight.

"Getting told by Smithy [Knights coach Brian Smith] a couple of weeks ago to start having a look around was pretty devastating," the 28-year-old said yesterday.

"But getting something done now is good for me so I know where my future is.

"I've always wanted to end my career over there, but I've only ever been there for a four-week holiday, so it will be all new to me."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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