Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley will leave the club after signing a one-year contract with Warrington Wolves in England’s Super League.

Gidley confirmed the move at a media conference on Tuesday, with the Wolves deal including an option for a second year.

The 32-year-old utility has played 236 NRL matches for the Knights since making his debut in 2001 and is the club’s third most-capped player.

“I have been lucky, to grow up in Newcastle, to have my family’s support and to play for this great club,” Gidley said.

“I played at West Newcastle from seven years of age and then made the transition at 17 to play for the Knights, which was directly across from where I trained.

“I struggled to make the Knights juniors but I think that made me just work harder.

“So to play in my home town as long as I have, to play alongside my eldest brother, have my family support at home and away games, as well as captain the club has just been a huge honour.”

Gidley captained New South Wales during his career and made 12 State of Origin appearances and played as many Tests for Australia.