For Newcastle Knights skipper Kurt Gidley, giving up isn't in his make up.
Reflecting on a career spanning almost 15 years, he’s seen his fair share of challenges and tough times, but knows from experience there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Knights have struggled to find their feet after a positive start to the 2015 season and search for a valuable win when they meet the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.
A passionate leader of the Club, he’s adamant that through hard work and resilience, the tables will turn for the Knights.
“I’ve never been one to give up, that’s for sure,” he told the media on Tuesday.
“I’ve been through some horrible times during my career and some real ups and downs and tough periods.
“It’s not part of my DNA. Any time there is a tough time, whether it's because of injuries or there is pressure on the Club, and we’ve been through that in the last 12 months, that’s the time to turn up and work hard.
“With adversity and the pressure, that’s when you’ll see the best or the worst of people I suppose."
While results have been lacking on the field, Gidley maintains an attitude of steel and refuses to allow circumstances to alter his enthusiasm and passion for taking the field.
“Times are challenging, but I can’t wait to play again this weekend,” he said.
“I can’t wait to turn up to training and try to make a difference and try to make an improvement on my game and the team’s game and to turn the season around.
“There’s a whole heap of the season left to go and I wouldn’t even talk about giving up.
“Because the results at the end of that are the greatest results you’ll get and the happiest and most satisfying.”
Gidley was thankful for the timing of the bye, which has allowed injured players more time to recover and is confident the Knights' preparation is pinpointed on the right areas.
“The week off is good to refresh the body at this time of the year,” he said.
“In some of our losses defensively is where we’ve let ourselves down.
“When we have played well we have defended well and have normally gone on to win the game.”
