‘Madge understands’: Why Wighton will not play for NSW
Jack Wighton has confirmed he will remain in representative retirement, ending hopes he could return to the State of Origin arena this season to help the injury-hit NSW Blues.
Wighton said on Tuesday morning he had discussed his position with NSW coach Michael Maguire on more than one occasion, and explained why he would not be tempted by a Blues recall.
The 31-year-old, who joined South Sydney over the summer, has been one of the few positives in a horrendous season for the Rabbitohs, and said he wants to focus on lifting his new club off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Wighton would have been in contention for a NSW centre spot, or even a utility role given his big body and big-game experience. He retired from representative football following Australia’s 2022 World Cup win.
The Blues have already lost Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic to hamstring injuries over the weekend, which came a week after Cam Murray (hip-flexor) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle) also broke down with long-term injuries.
“I want to give my full attention to Souths and try to repay them for bringing me here,” Wighton said. “If I can keep my body a little fresher by [staying out] of that representative arena, I’m a better chance of doing that.
