South Sydney are set to make a play for Jack Wighton in a move that could result in him finishing his career alongside great mate Latrell Mitchell.
The Rabbitohs are keen to add Wighton to an already star-studded roster in a bid for premiership glory. The playmaker’s next deal is likely to be his last and the chance to contest for an elusive title, as well as set up his family financially, could result in Wighton leaving the nation’s capital.
Canberra have tabled Wighton a four-year deal worth in excess of $1 million per annum in a bid to ward off the poachers. However, the 30-year-old has opted to explore his options in a bid to test his market value.
The Rabbitohs may struggle to compete financially with a host of suitors including the Raiders and Dolphins, but a change of scene could appeal after moving to Canberra 14 years ago.
One of South Sydney’s trump cards is Wighton’s friendship with Mitchell. The pair were inseparable during the Rugby League World Cup in England and catch up whenever their schedules allow. The intriguing development will result in Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou and his mentor, Dolphins counterpart Wayne Bennett, pitching for the same player for the first time.
Wighton’s decision to retire from representative football will also be a huge bonus should Souths snare his signature. With Mitchell and Cameron Murray certainties to be picked for NSW — and Campbell Graham, Damien Cook, Keaon Koloamatangi and Cody Walker also in the mix — Wighton would provide superstar depth at a time when Demetriou’s stocks are being stretched.
Jack Wighton could be headed to South Sydney.Credit: Getty
When all of Souths’ stars are available, one of the options would be for Wighton to play in the centres. However, his versatility would give any coach welcome headaches about how best to utilise the former NSW and Australian representative.
In an interview with the Herald on Tuesday, Wighton said Mitchell was one of several Blues figures attempting to change his representative stance.
“Ask the majority of the boys in the team, after last year’s series I made it obvious that that was the plan,” Wighton said.
“I ran it by Latrell and a few of the boys. He still messaged me today, he thought I had been lying. He got up me for telling fibs.
“I still feel like I can play at that level, I think I’m still in my prime and I had family chatting to me about [changing his decision], but I’m very content. I wanted to rally hard for an Australian spot, I achieved that and I got to come home with a World Cup.
“I’m really proud of my representative career and it’s something that can never be taken away. It’s just I felt that it was time for me to focus on my club footy and try to win a premiership.”
