Huge Blues blow as Wighton quits Origin, confirms rep footy retirement

Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton has retired from consultant soccer, ruling himself out of Origin competition in an enormous blow to the NSW Blues.

The 30-year-old has performed 10 video games for the Blues throughout the halves, centres, and off the bench, making him a useful member of the NSW aspect.

He has additionally picked up 5 caps for the Kangaroos, partnering good buddy Latrell Mitchell within the centres as Australia claimed victory on the World Cup final yr.

Wighton performed the primary of final yr’s Origin clashes within the centres – his Tenth-straight recreation for the Blues – earlier than being dominated out of the second recreation after contracting Covid-19. He was snubbed for the decider, named 18th man with Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton picked above him.

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There had been important chatter that Wighton was contemplating pulling the pin on consultant soccer in latest weeks, one thing Blues selector and Adviser Greg Alexander referred to as ‘a shame’ on Sunday night time.

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

“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 determination was confirmed on Monday morning, simply six weeks earlier than the Origin opener on May 31.

“Jack spoke to Freddy and has told him of his disappointing decision to retire from representative football,” NSW selector and assistant Greg Alexander instructed the Sydney Morning Herald.

“He has said that he wants to focus on family and club footy. It’s a blow for us. He has been an important part of our squad for the last five years and would have been in the mix again. We’ve loved having Jack in camp and in the team.

“He’s an Origin player. He’s been a great player not only for NSW, but for Australia and the Indigenous All Stars. It’s disappointing he won’t be able to be part of this series.”

If match, Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell seem the doubtless NSW centre pairing, with Wighton set to have come off the pine. Stephen Crichton may additionally reprise his function within the centres.

The 30-year-old’s future is up within the air after he opted to not take up a contract choice to stay on the Raiders subsequent yr. Canberra have tabled a monster $1.1 million per yr deal to attempt maintain their star five-eighth for one more 4 seasons, however there’s loads of curiosity from rival golf equipment together with the Dolphins.

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