What’s the Buzz: Jack Wighton spotted house hunting in clue to NRL future

Rugby Union has already snared Joseph Suaalii on a $5 million contract and are now aiming at the likes Payne Haas, Tolutau Koula and Will Penisini. How can League respond?

Jack Wighton is being tipped to sign with South Sydney for next season. Picture: Getty Images

RLPA boss Clint Newton says the NRL is leaving itself in danger of losing more superstar players to Australian rugby union.

He says any attempt to place restrictions on player movement, which the NRL is planning, would make union a more attractive option for off-contract stars.

The rahs rahs have already snared Joseph Suaalii on a $5 million contract and are now aiming at the likes of champion Broncos prop Payne Haas, Manly Sea Eagles centre Tolutau Koula and Parramatta’s Will Penisini.

“By putting more restrictions on players free agency leaves the game exposed and will cause more problems,” Newton said.

Broncos star Payne Haas is a signing target for rugby union. Picture: NRL Photos

“Australian rugby union is clearly targeting rugby league players, and why wouldn’t they with the talent we have? “We’ve got to stave off threats from other codes, not make it easier for them.

“We should continue to do everything we can to make sure our best players stay in rugby league, including negotiating and announcing a much-improved CBA for the players.”

The NRL wants to introduce a transfer window that would prevent the current free-for-all that allows players to sign with other clubs a year in advance.

Suaalii jumped ship to rugby in 2025 because he faced no such restrictions.

Newtown says there is nothing wrong with the current November 1 transfer system.

“Increasing restrictions on players’ free agency limits would only make the situation worse,” he said.

Manly’s Tolutau Koula. Picture: NRL Photos

Parramatta’s Will Penisini. Picture: Getty Images

“What never gets spoken about is that the November 1 free agency window is playing a huge part in the competitive tension that has culminated in one of the most thrilling seasons ever.

“I’ve never seen so many close games to start a season.

“Yes, a small number of clubs have struggled the past few years but restricting the free agency of players won’t fix how clubs manage their salary caps, improve playing rosters, or magically move a team from the bottom to the top.

“In fact, restricting players more will leave struggling clubs in the lurch with strained recruitment opportunities.”

HOUSE HUNT CLUE TO WIGHTON’S NRL FUTURE

Jack Wighton has apparently made enquiries about buying a family home in Sans Souci, close to where his great mate Latrell Mitchell lives.

It has only increased speculation he will be playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs next year.

Wighton’s agent Matt Rose tried to play it down when we contacted him over the weekend.

“Jack’s checked out the property market around Brisbane too,” Rose said, “It’s what you do before you make a decision on your future.”

We were told Wighton contacted the real estate agent on Friday.

Wighton has done well with his money in property.

He already owns two places in Canberra – his family home and an investment property. He also has a small farm in country NSW.

Jack Wighton is being tipped to sign with South Sydney for next season. Picture: Getty Images