Newly acquired South Sydney Rabbitohs recruit Jack Wighton is reportedly reconsidering his retirement from representative football and is poised to make a comeback to the State of Origin arena.
Having been a consistent presence in the NSW Blues lineup and a part of Australia’s RLWC squad, Wighton surprised the rugby league community last year by making himself unavailable for the 2023 State of Origin series and end-of-year Test matches for the Kangaroos. However, according to The Daily Telegraph, there is a growing belief among those close to Wighton that he is seriously contemplating reversing his decision.
Wighton’s potential return to the NSW Blues aligns with the appointment of Michael Maguire as the new head coach, succeeding Brad Fittler. Maguire, openly committed to selecting the best possible team, has extended invitations to over 40 players for a gathering next weekend, aiming to rejuvenate pride and success in the Blues jersey.
Among the players invited by Maguire are James Tedesco, Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Haumole Olokoautau, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook, Cameron Murray, Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Junior Paulo, Clinton Gutherson, Joseph Suaalii, Hudson Young, Nicho Hynes, and Cameron McInnes. Assistant coaches Matt King, John Cartwright, and Brett White are also set to be present at the NSWRL HQ next Saturday.
Maguire, emphasizing the importance of cohesion for a successful team, stated, “That’s the key to bringing a successful team together.” He expressed his commitment to ensuring players are in top form leading into the Origin, recognizing the significance of peak performance during that period.
Wighton, who debuted for the Canberra Raiders in 2012, delayed the start of his representative career until 2019. Since then, he has represented New South Wales ten times and Australia in seven games, with his most recent appearance in the Rugby League World Cup. Displaying versatility, Wighton has played various positions, including halves, centre, wing, and back row, while contributing to both representative teams.
