The South Sydney Rabbitohs have entered the blossoming battle to sign Jack Wighton after the Canberra star backflipped on a deal with the Raiders to test the open market ahead of his NRL free agency.
The Sporting Base understands Souths see Wighton as a strong key to unlocking their premiership chances for the next few years, especially when paired with already proven Rabbitohs stars like Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Campbell Graham, and his close friend Latrell Mitchell.
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In particular, Souths coach Jason Demetriou is reportedly interested in the now ex-New South Wales star’s versatility. While he would usually play in the centres if he donned the cardinal and myrtle jersey, Wighton would be expected to move into other roles like five-eighth or even fullback in a pinch should other Bunnies stars be ruled out or play State of Origin.
There has been talk that any offer South Sydney slap in front of Jack will be a little lighter on coin than what the Raiders offered, but Wighton may lean toward it to chase what has proven elusive in his long career—an NRL title.
The move would end Wighton’s 14-year relationship with the Raiders.
Green Machine powerbrokers tabled a mouthwatering deal worth $4 million over four years for the 30-year-old, but he decided to see if there were greener pastures for what is likely his last deal.
Whispers coming out of Canberra’s camp late last month were that Wighton had already agreed to sign an extension, but those proved a little premature after he revealed his plans in early April.
The multi-role NRL star has been a one-club man since making his debut in 2012 and has played 225 games for the Raiders since his first against the Gold Coast Titans way back in round 2 of that year. He has gone on to score 71 tries for Canberra and played a major hand in their march to the 2019 NRL grand final. He scored the only try for the Green Machine in the 14-8 loss.
Since 2019, the 30-year-old has played for NSW ten times and earned seven caps for Australia. He played for the Kangaroos in their 2021 World Cup victory.
Three years ago, Wighton was crowned the game’s best player with a Dally M Medal.
While he has yet to speak publicly about his contract negotiations, he did state he is planning to “focus on my club footy and try to win a premiership” for the rest of his career.
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