A former center for the Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, and Dolphins, Oliver Gildart has finally opened up about his
time spent in Australia.
He played in ten games during his one and a half seasons in the NRL (two for the Roosters and eight for the Tigers)
before quitting the league in the middle of the previous season.
Even though he didn’t play in a single game for The Dolphins and had little playing time, he won two grand finals
with the Wigan Warriors and was recognized internationally for Great Britain (one cap) and England (three caps).
The 27-year-old acknowledged that he didn’t play as much as he would have liked to, but he is grateful for his time in
the NRL and doesn’t regret his choice to briefly compete in rugby league’s top division after leaving the Super
League.
As a player and a person, I gained a lot of knowledge from doing what I wanted to accomplish.
“However, now that I’m home and surrounded by loved ones, I feel at ease and am enjoying rugby once more. I’m
excited to be here at the Robins and I’m extremely thrilled to be here.”
Gildart disclosed that his father, Ian Gildart, who participated in 255 Super League games from 1986 to 1999, was a
contributing factor in his decision to play in the NRL.
The outside back said that one of his dad’s biggest regrets was that he didn’t take advantage of the chance to test
himself in Australia.
“My old man had an opportunity to go and never did because of my mum, that was one of his regrets and he spoke to
me about that,” he said.
“I’m happy I took advantage of the opportunity; I was never going to let it pass.” Although things didn’t turn out the
way I had hoped, life goes on and I am moving on with Hull KR.
“I was only able to accomplish so much. I was doing really well in the cup, and other clubs were phoning Kristian
Woolf and Wayne Bennett to compliment me on my play. But sometimes life is like that—I just couldn’t seem to get a
break.
“When things don’t go your way, it all depends on how you respond and go on. I traveled to Leigh, where it was
fantastic to participate in a few key games and get some minutes, since that would benefit me more in the upcoming
campaign.”
With Hull Kingston Rovers, Gildart has agreed to a three-year deal that will start this season and run until the end of
2026.
