Jack Wighton reveals why he is quitting representative football, gives hint on Raiders future

In his first interview, Canberra star Jack Wighton has revealed why he walked away from representative football and the imminent decision on his NRL future.

Jack Wighton has broken his silence to explain his shock decision to quit representative football, rejecting suggestions he was angry at Brad Fittler for being snubbed in Origin last year.

“I have nothing but respect for Freddy,” Wighton, 30, said, “I’ve actually got a lot of love for the bloke.”

News Corp revealed last Saturday that Wighton was quitting Origin and international football.

In his first interview Wighton said: “It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.

“I’ve always been a true-blue proud Aussie and a Blues man through and through but I’ve been thinking about it for a while.

“And then when we won the World Cup, it was a great way to go out.

Jack Wighton will make a decision on his playing future in the next fortnight. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I’m very content as a man with everything I’ve done for NSW and Australia.

“I’m actually very proud and honoured to have worn those jerseys.

“And I love all my brothers I’ve played alongside.

“Now I want to focus on winning a premiership and having a bit more family time.”

He insists the decision had nothing to do with missing game three last year.

The Raiders superstar won man-of- the-match in the opening game of the series, missed the second game with Covid but was then overlooked for the decider.

“I don’t know where all this is coming from,” he said, “I’m not unhappy about anything

“I’ll never forget when I was 25 and I mucked up.

“I worked hard to redeem myself but Freddy was the one that backed me and gave me my first Origin jersey. He went out on a limb.

“I threw an intercept ball but he backed me again.

“I really want that part cleared up.”

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and Eels and Blues forward Junior Paulo. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Wighton would not be drawn into speculation and debate around the Blues five-eighth jersey.

It’s a huge call for Fittler between Jarome Luai and Dally M champion Nicho Hynes.

“They’re both great players but I’m not going to speak out of school,” he said.

“I’ll leave that up to the big boys.

“I’m not going to disrespect anyone. My job is to play footy, not select teams.”

He is convinced he is getting out at the right time because of the strength of NSW.

“It’s the other thing I thought about … the depth with NSW – it’s very healthy,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty of great young talent in all positions.

“There are boys who play in my role who I know can do the job.

“The state’s in great hands and that made the decision easier.

“So many others are ready to rip in and wear the jersey.

“It’s going to be tough watching it but the decision has been made.

“I hope we rip right into them and win the series.”

Wighton also spoke about his future with the Canberra Raiders.

He says he will make a decision in the next two weeks whether to stay in the national capital or to join a rival club.

Jack Wighton won’t be a Blue this season, but will he be a Raider beyond 2023? Picture: NRL Photos/Brett Costello

“I absolutely love the Raiders and I always will,” said Wighton, who has played 225 NRL games since his 2012 debut.

“As a footballer I’ve got a lot left in me.

“I had an option to check the market and at my age I decided to go that way.

“I’m breaking no rules. I’ve been in Canberra 14 years and I’ve never done it before.

“This is going to be my last contract and I wanted to make sure that when I retire, I don’t look back with any regrets and know at least I looked at all my options.

“I’d like the decision as soon as possible, in the next couple of weeks.

“I’m not here to play games. This is an easy interview because I’m just telling the truth.”

Originally published as Jack Wighton reveals why he is quitting representative football, gives hint on Raiders future