Jack Wighton breaks silence on quitting representative football

Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton has opened up on why he has decided to call it quits on his rep career as he looks for his next big contract.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Jack Wighton of the Blues looks on during game one of the 2022 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on June 08, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Canberra Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton has revealed just why he has given up his rep career, after dropping the bombshell on Monday.

Wighton, who was considered a possibility to play off the bench or in the centres if Tom Trbojevic was shifted to the wing for the Blues, revealed he wouldn’t make himself available for rep fixtures.

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The 30-year-old has played 10 State of Origin matches and seven Tests for Australia, but was sensationally left out of the Blues’ game three side last season as NSW lost the series.

Wighton had been among NSW’s best in game one but missed game two because of contracting Covid.

But after winning the World Cup with the Kangaroos last season, Wighton admitted it was the right way to end his rep career.

“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Wighton said to Newscorp’s Phil Rothfield.

“I’ve always been a true-blue proud Aussie and a Blues man through and through but I’ve been thinking about it for a while.

“And then when we won the World Cup, it was a great way to go out.

“I’m very content as a man with everything I’ve done for NSW and Australia.

“I’m actually very proud and honoured to have worn those jerseys.

“And I love all my brothers I’ve played alongside.

“Now I want to focus on winning a premiership and having a bit more family time.”

Wighton also wanted to clear up that he had nothing against Fittler and his game three non-selection in 2023.

Wighton and Fittler. Picture. Phil Hillyard

It comes after Rothfield told Fox Sports’ NRL360 that Wighton was “a bit peeved” over the selection snub.

“It’s not like he’s tossed the toys out of the cot,” Kent said.

“He’s not said, ‘Well you didn’t pick me last year, I’m not going to play’.”

Braith Anasta suggested Wighton’s decision is linked to his situation with the Raiders after his decision to reportedly knock back a four-year contract extension worth up to $4.4 million.

It comes after Wighton chose to test his value on the open market despite having played his entry 225-game career with the Raiders.

Rumours have swirled for weeks Wighton is interested in moving to Queensland and is likely to move to the Dolphins despite the expansion club reportedly unable to match the Raiders’ rich offer.

Anasta’s theory suggests Wighton may have given up on Origin to make himself more valuable to the Dolphins in any potential contract talks.

The decision to stand down from representative football would make Wighton available to play more games for the Dolphins and potentially drive up his value.

He was even the Clive Churchill Medal winner in the Raiders 14-8 loss to the Roosters in the 2019 NRL Grand Final.

Wighton before game one of the 2023 Origin series. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Wighton said that he was hoping to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks.

“I absolutely love the Raiders and I always will,” Wighton said.

“As a footballer I’ve got a lot left in me. I had an option to check the market and at my age I decided to go that way.

“I’m breaking no rules. I’ve been in Canberra 14 years and I’ve never done it before. This is going to be my last contract and I wanted to make sure that when I retire, I don’t look back with any regrets and know at least I looked at all my options.

“I’d like the decision as soon as possible, in the next couple of weeks. I’m not here to play games. This is an easy interview because I’m just telling the truth.”

Originally published as Jack Wighton breaks silence on quitting representative football