Newly cashed-up Newcastle have made their second major signing since multi-millionaire Nathan Tinkler's takeover, with skipper Kurt Gidley comitting his future to the NRL club for another four years.

With St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett already secured for next season, Gidley is excited about the club's future under the Tinkler regime.

The 28-year-old, who has made 173 appearances for his boyhood team, said he wanted to show supporters his commitment, and hoped it would encourage the whole Hunter region to get behind the Knights.

"I'm excited to be cementing my commitment to the club for a further four years," Gidley said.

"I would love to see the whole community make their commitment to us through a Knights membership; we are entering an exciting era for the club and this will help us build a true fortress at Ausgrid Stadium."

Gidley has played 11 Tests for Australia, ten games for New South Wales, three games for Country and two matches for the NRL All Stars.

"I'm a Newcastle boy, I played my junior football with Wests Newcastle and have followed the Knights since the club's inception in 1988," he said.

"It was always a dream of my brother Matt and I to represent our community by playing for the Knights, and we are lucky enough to have had the opportunity to do so.

"I believe that the Newcastle Knights are building towards a very exciting future with a team that is capable of bringing the Newcastle and Hunter region its third premiership combined with a prosperous future."

Coach Rick Stone believes that Gidley's re-signing is great news for the club.

"Kurt is an integral part of our club's community both on and off the field, he is an inspirational captain on the field and I hope that today our members join us by encouraging their friends and family to commit to the Knights," Stone said.

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