Jack Wighton breaks down in tears after Raiders’ golden point win

After announcing his departure from the Raiders, Jack Wighton broke down after Canberra claimed a golden point win.

Jack Wighton broke down after the Raiders' win.

An emotional Jack Wighton broke down in tears after his Canberra Raiders claimed a 31-30 golden point win over the Dolphins in Wagga Wagga on Saturday.

The Raiders scored four tries in the first half to open up a handy lead before the Dolphins reeled in the deficit in the second half to threaten another comeback win.

The Dolphins scored three second half tries to level the score at 30-30 in the 72nd minute, but neither team could break the deadlock with a field goal in the dying stages.

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Canberra’s Jamal Fogarty sidestepped a Dolphins defender and slotted a drop goal in golden point to seal a much-needed win for the Raiders — their fourth of the season.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed Raiders five-eighth Wighton would be joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs from next season on a deal of up to four years, reportedly worth around $850,000 to $900,000 per season.

Wighton was instrumental in the early stages against the Dolphins and was emotional when speaking to Fox League’s Lara Pitt about the tough decision to leave the Raiders.

“That’s huge. That’s what footy’s all about,” Wighton said.

The Raiders win a golden point thriller over the Dolphins. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

“Out here in the country, you can feel the country vibe, I reckon the country’s the heart of football and you can feel it now, especially after that type of win. It’s buzzing.

“It was huge. It’s been a very tough week,” Wighton added.

“Couple of massive decisions and that, so to come and do this with the brothers, it’s big.

When Pitt asked Wighton how his Raiders teammates had supported him during the week, the 30-year-old immediately teared up and was almost speechless.

“Yeah, good boys. Love them all,” he said.

“That’s what it’s all about. Fourteen years — finish the year strong, make memories and enjoy it.”

Jack Wighton was emotional after a rollercoaster week and a huge win against the Dolphins! ❤️

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— Fox League (@FOXNRL) April 29, 2023

Amazing interview with Jack Wighton on @FOXNRL with @LaraPitt_ in tears talking about how difficult this week has been. Could see his passion for the Raiders & teammates. Wanted a change. Can’t begrudge a guy for that. Pressure & talk has cleary got to him #NRLRaidersDolphins

— Jake Duke (@JakeDuke1) April 29, 2023

On Fox League, Panthers legend Greg Alexander praised Wighton for wearing his heart on his sleeve and said his emotion would be received well by Raiders fans.

“It’s just all got the better of him,” Alexander said as Wighton crouched down and was consoled by a staff member after the interview.

“I feel for him. I know what a tough week it would have been for Jack. A very proud, emotional man and it brings tears to your own eyes.

Jack Wighton broke down after the Raiders' win. Photo: Fox Sports.

Wighton let the emotion pour out. Photo: Fox Sports.

“Just watching what he’s been through and what that win must have meant to him and the pressure he was under.

“Coming into this game the question was ‘how is Jack Wighton going to play for the rest of the season?’

“The statement he made in the opening 20 minutes was just enormous. Jack’s a man of actions, not words.

“He found it hard to get the words out then. I think everyone and the Canberra supporters would appreciate watching the emotion on his face, what it means to him and what he’s been through and what the win means to him and his teammates.

“The mention of his teammates and he almost couldn’t speak about them because that’s the sort of man Jack is. If anyone had any sort of doubts about how Jack would go the rest of the season in a green jersey, he said it today.”

The victory sees the Raiders move up to 10th on the NRL ladder midway through Round 9.

Originally published as Jack Wighton breaks down in tears after Raiders’ golden point win