‘They’ve given me the hard word’: Wighton was almost shown the door

Jack Wighton is ready for repay the faith shown by the Raiders hierarchy with a bumper 2019, after almost being jailed for assault during a wild night out last year.

Canberra Raiders player Jack Wighton at ACT Magistrates Court in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Canberra’s Jack Wighton is on his last chance at the NRL club, with the Raiders prepared to sack him if he misbehaves again.

The 26-year-old narrowly avoided jail time last year after being handed a two-month suspended sentence for assaulting five men while out celebrating his birthday.

The fullback admits the incident could have spelled the end of his 130-game career at the Raiders.

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The club’s leaders, chairman Allan Hawke, chief executive Don Furner and coach Ricky Stuart all condemned Wighton’s behaviour, but are behind his return to the field.

“I could have easily been sacked,” Wighton told NRL.com.

“They’ve all stuck by me in the end, and also given me the hard word that if anything ever happens again, I’m basically out the door.

“It showed me how close I was to losing it all from that silly night.

“I let down my family. I’ve got two beautiful young girls and I thought about them more than anyone.”

Wighton hasn’t played for the Raiders since round 15 last year following he NRL slapping him with a 10-game suspension after viewing CCTV footage of the incident in Canberra’s CBD.

The game’s governing body also hit him with a $30,000 fine.

After making the No.1 jersey his own at the Raiders since 2015, Wighton could return in a different position.

Stuart is toying with the idea of switching Wighton from fullback to five-eighth to partner Aidan Sezer following the departure of Blake Austin to England.

Wighton has been training at No.6 in preparation for the potential move, although Sam Williams is another contender for the role.

“I’m very excited about this year,” Wighton said.

“I can’t wait to take the field and hopefully repay the fans and the club for everything that’s happened.”

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Originally published as ‘They’ve given me the hard word’: Wighton was almost shown the door