‘He’s nowhere near that class’: The flaw in Wighton’s game that could backfire $1m payday plans

Jack Wighton stunned the Raiders by announcing his decision to test the open market, but the plan could backfire over one problem.

Jack Wighton of the Raiders is sent off during the round four NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on March 26, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

Raiders star Jack Wighton stunned his club by announcing this week he’ll be heading to the open market, but the plan could backfire.

Wighton was set to earn over $1 million next season but has opted against triggering the 2024 option in his favour to instead test his worth with rival clubs.

The Dolphins and Wighton have spoken, according to Fox League’s James Hooper who also reported “up to 10 clubs” are interested in the 30-year-old playmaker.

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But NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent believes there are only two clubs - the Dolphins and Raiders - willing to pay Wighton over $1 million, due to a flaw in his game.

“The talk about Mitch Moses when he was in the same situation was when you’re trailing by four points can you turn that into a two-point win… Jack probably has a little bit of work to do there,” Kent said.

“Only a couple of weeks ago against the Dolphins it seemed every time he kicked the ball, he kicked it straight to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, they got very few repeat sets.

“His kicking game as the dominant half in that team, you wouldn’t say it’s anywhere near the standard of Mitchell Moses or Daly Cherry-Evans or Nathan Cleary, he’s nowhere near that class.”

Jack Wighton of the Raiders is set to test the open market. Getty

Fellow journalist Michael Carayannis pointed out Wighton needs a “controlling half” because he’s a situational player and a natural runner.

“That immediately reduces his value,” Kent responded.

“We saw when George Williams left and when Jamal Fogarty was injured, he didn’t produce anywhere near his best football because he didn’t have a controlling No. 7,” Carayannis said.

Hooper believes Canberra coach Ricky Stuart “would have to be disappointed” with Wighton’s decision after a decade together at the club.

“Wighton been at that club for 12 seasons and they’ve looked after him in plenty of instances and he’s been well-paid the entire time,” Hooper said.

Originally published as ‘He’s nowhere near that class’: The flaw in Wighton’s game that could backfire $1m payday plans