Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton has revealed why he decided to announce his shock retirement from representative football, effective immediately.
The 31-year-old, who has represented both New South Wales and Australia, and would have been in the thick of consideration for this year’s Blues squad, told The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield he wants “to focus on winning a premiership”.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while…And then when we won the World Cup (in 2022), it was a great way to go out,” Wighton said.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“I’m very content with everything I’ve done for NSW and Australia. I’m actually very proud of wearing those jerseys.
“Now I want to focus on winning a premiership and having a bit more family time. That’s all this is about.”
Wighton said he hold no ill will towards Blues coach Brad Fittler saying he has “nothing but respect for Freddy” and that “he really wants that cleared up.”
Fittler didn’t select the 2020 Dally M medalist in Game 3 of last year’s Origin series despite winning man-of-the match in Game 1.
It prompted Rothfield to speculate whether the selection snub was the reason behind the decision.
“He was a little bit peeved (about missing selection in the 2022 decider) and I think it’s one of the reasons he was weighing it up.”
This won’t be the only big decision Wighton will have to make regarding his future in the game.
MORE NRL NEWS
RESERVES WRAP: Rugby convert explodes as solution to Dogs’ injury crisis emerges
‘YOU BEAUTY’: Queenslander’s hilarious response to Wighton’s shock Origin call
REBUILD: How Ciraldo-Gould partnership plans to return Bulldogs to title contenders
Wighton, who is off contract from the Raiders at the end of this season, has decided to test the open market and envisages a decision to be made “in the next couple of weeks”
It is understood the Raiders and the Dolphins are the two favourites to land Wighton.
“I’d like to make the decision as soon as possible, in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
“I love the Raiders and I always will.
“I’m breaking no rules….I had an option to check the market at my age and that’s what I’ve done.”
