Shock replacement touted as NSW lose gun centre Jack Wighton

NSW has suffered a “huge blow” with Jack Wighton ruled out of State Origin Game 2 and Round 15 for Canberra after a shock diagnosis.

Jack Wighton is out. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

NSW has lost Jack Wighton for State of Origin Game 2 after a shock positive test for Covid-19.

It is a hammer blow for Blues coach Brad Fittler after Wighton emerged as NSW’s best player in the series-opening loss to Queensland.

The Raiders also confirmed that Wighton will not play in Round 15.

“Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton has been ruled out of Sunday’s match against the Knights due to COVID protocols,” the club announced late on Friday.

“Wighton will follow COVID return to play protocols once his isolation is completed next week.”

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Fittler is set to name his Blues line-up on Sunday night with NSW players heading into camp on Monday.

Attention has turned immediately towards which player will be selected to replace Wighton with the Blues facing a selection dilemma.

Broncos star Kotoni Staggs injured his shoulder in the series opener, but has since returned for the Broncos. Panthers flyer Stephen Crichton played off the bench in Game 1, but struggled to find a way into the game.

It opens the door for Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell to make a shock return for Origin II, despite being overlooked for the Rabbitohs this weekend. Mitchell is yet to play after suffering a serious hamstring injury earlier this year.

Jack Wighton was everywhere in Game 1. Picture NRL photos.

Bulldogs star Matt Burton is also considered an option after his sizzling 2021 season playing centre with Penrith.

Former NSW Origin star Michael Ennis said on Fox League he hopes NSW pick Burton as Wighton’s replacement.

“It is a huge blow,” Ennis said.

“He was without doubt one of NSW’s best. He scored the opening try for them, but just his ability to carry the footy and the aggression and the intent that he showed for NSW.

“They have got a number of options. They have got plenty of guys that are able to fill in those positions. But it is going to take one hell of an effort to replace what Jack produced.

“I like the look of Matt Burton. He has had combinations with Jarome Luai and Brian To’o on that left side.

“You have got Kotoni Staggs who was possibly going to be left out of the side given he left game one with a sore shoulder.

“It looked like Stephen Crichton might have taken that right centre position. Staggs may get another chance.

“Crichton can play left or right centre. The other one is Siosifa Talakai, who has been in devastating form for the Cronulla Sharks.

“But I think Matt Burton may be the one.”

Originally published as Shock replacement touted as NSW lose gun centre Jack Wighton