Gidley extends Saints stay

St Helens centre Matt Gidley has signed a new contract for 2009.nnThe 31-year-old Gidley, who joined the Saints from Newcastle Knights two years ago, was out of contract at the end of the season.nnHe had a tough act to follow after being signed as a direct replacement for Man of Steel Jamie Lyon, but has proved an equally class act, notching 23 tries as well as creating a host for Super League‘s leading scorer Ade Gardner.nn”It is great to know that I will be a part of a forward-thinking club and a great set of team-mates for another year,” he said.nn”I have really enjoyed my two seasons at the club and look forward to hunting more silverware in this and next season.”nnSaints Chief Executive Tony Colquitt said: “Matt is a world-class player and has made his partnership with Ade Gardner one of the most feared in Super League.”nnGidley, a former Test Centre, made 221 appearances for Newcastle, won 11 caps for his country and made 11 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.