This year the front-rower was rewarded with a Greater Northern Tigers jersey after seven years playing for Group 4 at the Greater Northern Championships.

Despite suffering a close loss in the Country Championships grand final against Riverina on Saturday, Vidler said that it had been one of the best experiences of his career.

“It was such a good game in Mudgee – they all have been,” Vidler said.

“It is so quick and well structured. 

“Personally I have taken a lot out of the last month.” 

The Lions skipper was joined by Matt Nean in the Tigers’ stripes, the pair’s connection one of the best in Group 4 this season, with a bevy of tries between them to prove it.

Nean also dominated Sunday’s game, only coming off the bench after five-eighth Sam Taylor suffered a shoulder injury in the first half.

The duo instantly went about terrorising the Bulldogs, scoring 44 points between them.

“I love playing outside Matt (Nean) this season,” Vidler said.

“He has great communication and makes me look good.” 

The six-try haul strips Vidler’s previous record.

“I might have got two a few times before but I am generally lucky to cross.”

“It’s a bit surreal.” 

A big right fend combined with pumping legs saw the prop go on big searching runs, starting on one side of the field and scoring on the other.

The Lions are now two from two at the new ground, and are hoping to keep that record intact the weekend after this, when the North Tamworth Bears come over for the first time this season.

After an undefeated year last year, the Bears were pipped by West in the first round this season, giving the Lions plenty of self belief that they can do it again.

“We need to be switched on and stick to our plan,” Vidler said.

“They are good at getting to us so discipline will be very important. 

“We just can’t get baited and give silly penalties.” 

Hooker Will Chesterfield gets better every game, crossing for a try  and always threatening with good direction and dummy half dashes.

“If we keep his talk and confidence up he will be a Group player in a few years,” Vidler said after the Lions’ game.

Prop Ben Jarvis played the full 80 minutes and was another stand-out for West.

Vidler’s six-try game also earned him three points in The Northern Daily Leader-sponsored Group 4 Best and Fairest Award and took him two points clear of Lions teammate Matt Nean.

Vidler has 10 points.

West Lions captain-coach Phil Beaton also earned two points and sits on four points with Gunnedah’s Aaron Donnelly, who claimed the one point on Sunday, along with  Bulldogs skipper Trent Hilton and North Tamworth pair Bill Jeffery and Callum Hayne.

Jeffery polled the three points in the 78-22 win over Narrabri, with Hayne receiving the two points and livewire Blues five-eighth Jamie Sampson the one point.