State of Origin: Jack Wighton considering NSW return under coach Michael Maguire

Jack Wighton made himself unavailable for Origin selection last year - now those close to him believes the South Sydney recruit could have a change of heart ahead of next week’s Origin camp.

Michael Maguire’s official reign as NSW State of Origin coach is about to begin - and it could include the return of high-profile South Sydney recruit Jack Wighton.

In what represents the first look at the players Maguire believes can restore pride to NSW, close to 40 players will gather for the first time under the direction of the new Blues coach in Sydney next weekend.

The likes of Blues captain James Tedesco, Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Haumole Olokoautau, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook, Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Junior Paulo, Clint Gutherson, Joseph Suaalii, Hudson Young, Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes have all been invited by Maguire.

However, the NSWRL are also leaving the door ajar for Wighton, should he change his mind on wanting to play representative football.

The high-profile Rabbitohs recruit and former Raiders star made himself unavailable for representative selection in 2023.

Wighton said at the time that he wanted to focus on his family and winning a premiership with Canberra.

New NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has called his squad together.

There is now an increasing belief by those close to Wighton that he is giving serious consideration to overturning his decision.

The athletic and powerful ballrunner’s return to the Origin arena for an 11th time would be a major coup for NSW and Maguire, who as the assistant coach of the Raiders worked closely with the 30-year-old last year.

Wighton also has a close friendship with Mitchell and has quickly bonded with the Rabbitohs who will be part of the Blues selection frame including Murray, Cook, Walker, Koloamatangi and Campbell Graham.

The gathering of prospective Blues at the NSWRL HQ next Saturday will also include each of Maguire’s newly-appointed support staff, including assistant coaches Matt King, John Cartwright and Brett White.

Under the player’s union agreement, the chosen players can’t be involved in any physical activity at such a delicate point in the 2024 pre-season.

The meeting will instead focus on Maguire outlining his expectations as a coach, the standards he will set and how the Blues will prepare to overcome Queensland for the first time since 2021.

Maguire, who replaces former Blues coach Brad Fittler, said at the time of his appointment last year, that gathering potential squad members together was an important part of his process.

Jack Wighton’s (R) tight bond with Latrell Mitchell (L) could be key to an Origin return. Picture: Getty Images

“That’s the key to bringing a successful team together,” Maguire said.

“I am going to make sure that everyone is in form through that period going into the Origin, because you need that.

“In time, the opportunities will be in front of them [the current group of players] by how they go about what they do on the field.”

Maroons coach Billy Slater will also conduct a similar Origin planning session in Brisbane.

His list includes just over 30 players including each of the 2023 series winning Queenslanders, with the high-profile addition of Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga, who missed the entire series last year.

Several future Maroons have also been invited including Ezra Mam, Sam Walker, J’Maine Hopgood, Beau Fermor and Heilum Luki.

Originally published as State of Origin: Jack Wighton considering NSW return under coach Michael Maguire