‘He was peeved’: Mystery behind Jack Wighton’s State of Origin snub solved

The truth behind Jack Wighton’s State of Origin bombshell is being pieced together with news the Raiders star was “peeved”.

Jack Wighton of the Raiders. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images.

Raiders star Jack Wighton was reportedly “peeved” after being snubbed by NSW coach Brad Fittler for the 2022 State of Origin series decider.

It was confirmed on Monday Wighton has retired from all forms of representative football at a time when his future remains uncertain heading into the 2024 season without a contract.

The 30-year-old has played 10 games for the Blues across the halves, centres, and off the bench, making him an invaluable member of the NSW side.

The shock news has left the NRL world scratching its head about why Wighton would announce the decision well before Fittler and his senior adviser Greg Alexander sit down to consider their selections for the series opener against Queensland in Adelaide on May 31.

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A piece of the puzzle dropped on Monday night when The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said on Fox League’s NRL 360 that Wighton was understandably “a bit peeved” at the selection snub ahead of the 2022 series decider won by the Maroons.

Jack Wighton has quit Origin. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Wighton played the first of last year’s Origin clashes in the centres – his 10th-straight game for the Blues – before being ruled out of the second game after contracting Covid-19. He was snubbed for the decider, named 18th man with Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton picked above him.

Wighton is yet to speak about his decision publicly.

It’s why rumours are swirling about his future.

After Rothfield said Wighton was “peeved” about being brushed last year, NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent said he also believes there is more to the story.

“It’s not like he’s tossed the toys out of the cot,” Kent said.

“He’s not said, ‘Well you didn’t pick me last year, I’m not going to play’.”

Braith Anasta suggested Wighton’s decision is linked to his situation with the Raiders after his decision to reportedly knock back a four-year contract extension worth up to $4.4 million.

Rumours have swirled for weeks Wighton is interested in moving to Queensland and is likely to move to the Dolphins despite the expansion club reportedly unable to match the Raiders’ rich offer.

Anasta’s theory suggests Wighton may have given up on Origin to make himself more valuable to the Dolphins in any potential contract talks. The decision to stand down from representative football would make Wighton available to play more games for the Dolphins and potentially drive up his value.

“It sort of indicates things are not as we see them,” Anasta said.

Jack Wighton. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images.

“There’s more going on than what we’re seeing with his footy with the Raiders and his footy with NSW and obviously he was out of sorts last year a bit with NSW.”

He went on to say: “He’s not staying in Canberra on big money. He’s apparently willing to take less money to go elsewhere and now he’s stepping down from Origin duties, which he is renowned for being an Origin player and loving it. So what is going on?”

Alexander on Sunday said Wighton’s decision was a “shame”.

“I had heard he was considering being done with representative football, which would be a shame, it really would,” Alexander said on the Fox League coverage.

“Jack has been a big part of the side over the last five seasons … he’s had some great games for NSW … He is an Origin player. He’s tough.

“Hopefully me or Freddy (Blues coach Brad Fittler) can get on the phone and, if he is considering it, turn him around, because we might need him this year.”

But his decision was confirmed on Monday morning, just six weeks before the Origin opener on May 31.

If fit, Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell appear the likely NSW centre pairing, with Wighton set to have come off the pine. Stephen Crichton could also reprise his role in the centres.