Jack Wighton unable to attend Michael Maguire’s pre-season NSW State of Origin camp

South Sydney star Jack Wighton has decided his State of Origin future at least in the short-term ahead of Michael Maguire’s first camp as NSW Blues coach.

Jack Wighton has privately indicated he may be willing to return to the Blues set-up if his form is up to Origin standard at his new club South Sydney.

It is understood Wighton has told those close to him that he has not ruled out a potential return to the Origin arena 12-month hiatus from representative football despite declining an opportunity to join this weekends Blues camp.

Ultimately, Wighton is focused and determined on delivering for the Rabbitohs before deciding his Origin fate. Formally he is still retired from NSW but shares a close relationship with new coach Michael Maguire.

Fresh from taking the job, Maguire publicly declared his intentions to reach out to Wighton to seek clarity surrounding his availability.

The first step came after Maguire invited Wighton to be part of his first major event as NSW coach ahead of a camp in Sydney this weekend.

However, Wighton won’t attend this weekend. Wighton has told the Blues he wants to perform well for the Rabbitohs before he officially declares that he could return.

Wighton surprised plenty when he made himself unavailable for Origin selection in the lead-up to the 2023 series as he wanted to push towards a premiership tilt for Canberra in his final season at the club.

Jack Wighton indicated he was unable to attend Michael Maguire’s first Origin camp.

Despite deciding not to attend this week, he has kept the door ajar to return to the Origin fold in the lead-up to the series. He has played 10 games for NSW and seven matches for Australia.

Maguire was Ricky Stuart’s assistant coach at Canberra last year before taking on the NSW job.

South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly said Wighton had fitted in seamlessly at the Rabbitohs after making a high profile switch.

“You only have to look at what Jack achieved at the Raiders and his contribution to that club to know what he brings,” Solly said on SEN Breakfast on Wednesday. “He is a competitor on the field and a leader off it. We were very lucky in some ways to sign him. He was ready for a change after a massive contribution for a long time in Canberra.

Speaking to guys like Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker before we signed him (they said) he will bring a lot on the field but also his composure and leadership off it. “Everything which we’ve seen in the pre-season has stacked up to their assessment of him. He brings so much to the club. We can’t wait to see him on the field in round three against the Roosters.”

Jack Wighton joined South Sydney as the club’s marquee signing.

About 40 players have been invited to Maguire’s get together at NSW headquarters on Saturday. Players won’t train instead the NSW squad will be introduced to Maguire and his new-look coaching staff including Matt King, John Cartwright and Brett White for the two day camp.

The likes of Blues captain James Tedesco, Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook, Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Junior Paulo, Clint Gutherson, Joseph Suaalii, Hudson Young, Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes are expected to be part of the day at Sydney Olympic Park.

Their Queensland counterparts will also have their own pre-series camp this weekend.