South Sydney enters Jack Wighton sweepstakes in shock move

Dally M Medalist Jack Wighton is suddenly the most popular free agent in the NRL after a surprising new club began showing interest.

Jack Wighton carries the ball.

The Rabbitohs have emerged as a threat to sign Dally M medal winner Jack Wighton for 2024 and beyond.

According to the SMH, the Rabbitohs are keen to add Wighton to the fold, where they’d immediately become one of the premiership favourites for 2024.

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Wighton, who earlier this week announced his retirement from all rep footy, has a close friendship with Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell, and Souths fans will be hoping that relationship will figure into the 30-year-old’s decision.

The fact that the Rabbitohs are much closer to a premiership than the Raiders and Dolphins, the teams who are widely believed to be the frontrunners for Wighton’s signature, will also appeal to the Clive Churchill and Dally M medal winner.

Shaquai Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell of the Indigenous All Stars

With that said, it’s hard to believe the Rabbitohs will be able to table a stronger financial offer than the Dolphins and Raiders, and as this is likely going to be Wighton’s last big contract, that may prove an important factor.

The Raiders have reportedly put down an offer to Wighton totalling $4.4 million over four years.

Wighton said on Tuesday that he’d like to “make the decision as soon as possible, in the next couple of weeks.”

“I’m breaking no rules....I had an option to check the market at my age and that’s what I’ve done,” Wighton told the Daily Telegraph.

Originally published as South Sydney enters Jack Wighton sweepstakes in shock move