Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell has encouraged close friend and Origin teammate Jack Wighton to consider signing for South Sydney.
The 30-year-old dropped a bombshell on the Raiders after 224 NRL games with the green machine, hitting the open market for the first time in his 12-year career.
A 10-club race has reportedly emerged for Wighton’s signature and he has until Round 10 to exercise a one-year option in his favour for the 2024 season.
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However, according to News Corp, it only took 12 hours for over half the competition to get in contact with Wighton’s management, with the Dolphins being a leading contender.
Now Mitchell has issued a call to arms, explaining “he would love” to have Wighton at Souths.
However, it remains unlikely the Rabbitohs have cap space to burn on the star utility who will command north of $1 million per-season.
“I would love Jack outside me. It would be another element. But we don’t have a sombrero. I want Jack to make his own decision and do it for his kids and his partner. That’s all that matters, to be happy,” Mitchell said to the SMH.
“We would go to that next level. We’re doing all right at the moment but like I said, Jack will make his decision. I have met (Raiders coach) Ricky (Stuart) and he is a genuine bloke.
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“I think they will work something out. Canberra is a really good club. (But) I think we would suit him and work around him.”
Wighton and Mitchell were arrested for allegedly fighting in a public place after the Raiders gun’s 30th birthday celebrations in February, charges the pair have since pleaded not guilty to.
Any potential move to the Rabbitohs would likely see Wighton shift into the centres, with Cody Walker being the club’s five-eighth.
Wighton has played 10 games for NSW and was first played as a centre by coach Brad Fittler in Game II of the 2019 series, replacing Mitchell before the Blues scored a 38-6 victory.
“I’d be open to (Wighton coming), but if it’s realistic I’m not sure,” Walker said.
“I don’t know where the salary cap sits, but if they went after him how would you say no?
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“He’s shown he can play right centre as well. He can play anywhere. He’s just got that grit and that will to win. Him and Trell can go to the farm and ride horses and do whatever they want.”
NRL supremo Phil Gould also revealed Wighton could be seeking a move north to join a team in Queensland whilst also recognising other players are earning north of a million dollars.
“My mail is he has a desire to live in Queensland for some reason,” Gould said on the Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
“He will be looking at the money they’re earning elsewhere, the reports of contracts and what some of the other playmakers will be earning.
“The other one could well be winning a premiership. Maybe he’s getting to the point he doesn’t think it will happen with the Raiders.”
