Gidley delighted with ‘controlled’ Knights

Newcastle’s performance over Canterbury on Sunday was easily their best of the year, according to skipper Kurt Gidley.

Gidley returned from a shoulder injury to lead the Knights to a clinical 20-6 victory over the previously unbeaten Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

“It’s easily our best performance this year,” he said.

“We just controlled the game well and we did what we’ve been trying to do for the first three rounds.

“We controlled the ball well, we got to our kicks and it just gives you a chance to put some pressure on the other team defensively and we did a great job of that.”

Coach Wayne Bennett’s decision to install the Australia international at halfback and move incumbent Jarrod Mullen to five eighth proved a masterstroke, according to Gidley.

“Wayne wanted to keep me around the ruck and keep me a little busier and work with Bedsy (Danny Buderus) and motivate the forwards as well,” Gidley explained.

“They do a tough job making so many tackles and hit-ups, but they like to be revved up and encouraged through the game and I think I do a good job of that.

“I think Mullo (Jarrod Mullen) played great as well, he got a little bit more room and when he takes the line on and runs the ball he’s a great asset for our team.

“He’s strong and he’s fast and he has good footwork and it was one of his best games yesterday.”