Jack Wighton

'Do everything to keep him': Wighton to trigger NRL feeding frenzy with Raiders stunner.

This is possibly his last contract, he’s got a young family to think of and we fully support that. [The Sydney Morning Herald](https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/everything-to-keep-him-raiders-ready-to-fight-as-wighton-flips-player-market-20230328-p5cvxw.html)that the team will “do everything” it can to extend Wighton, who has been at Canberra since making his NRL debut back in 2012. The Canberra Raiders face a fight to retain star five-eighth Jack Wighton amid confirmation the 30-year-old is going to the open market for the first time since joining the club.

The 2020 Dally M Medallist, Jack Wighton, has blown the player market wide open by telling Canberra he wan...

"We saw [Cameron] Munster and [Mitchell] Moses do similar. "That said, we'll do everything to keep him too. This is possibly his last contract, he's got a young family to think of and we fully support that. We'll allow that process to happen and then continue talks. READ MORE: ['Homesick': NRL club to land prized recruit](https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2023-the-mole-gold-coast-titans-to-sign-thomas-mikaele-from-warrington/fa82d23b-4b3c-42d5-b341-ab897e09befd)

A Dally M medallist, World Cup winner with seven Test caps and 10 NSW Origin appearances, Wighton is earning around $900,000 on his current Raiders deal, with ...

This is possibly his last contract, he’s got a young family to think of and we fully support that. An offer a touch over that magic million mark, the Raiders can compete with. Complicating matters for some clubs is the need, still, for a hard and fast salary cap for 2024 and beyond. So too, the season-long dynamic at clubs with room under the salary cap and a hole to fill, be it at five-eighth or centre. “We would love to see Jack finish as a one-club player and that’s certainly our aim,” Raiders CEO Don Furner told the Herald on Tuesday. Wighton caught most of the game, and the Raiders, off-guard on Tuesday when it emerged that instead of taking up a 2024 option in his favour, he will instead test his value on the open market – making him easily the best credentialed playmaker available in a market short on them.

Canberra Raiders superstar Jack Wighton has left his teammates in shock as he confirmed to them on Tuesday afternoon that he would hit the open market come ...

“He has our full support. Raiders CEO Don Furner accepted the decision from Wighton but confirmed the club would do everything in its power to keep him in Canberra. According to The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio, Wighton announced the news to his teammates, coaches and Raiders’ executives, to the surprise of all involved.

The Canberra Raiders have vowed to fight to keep star five-eighth Jack Wighton, after he told the club...

Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. [how to register](https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7739877/canberra-times-launches-new-commenting-platform/) so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. I love playing with big Papi," he said. Chris Smith, 21. Lindsay Smith, 16. "I hope so. Corey Horsburgh. Corey Harawira-Naera. "He probably wants to make sure he's setting himself up - he's got a young family - and I fully understand he wants to make sure he's getting the right deal.

Wighton, 30, has a clause in his contract allowing the 2020 Dally M Medal winner to test his value on the open market prior to round 10. Fox League has learned ...

The Raiders won’t be letting Wighton walk out the door without a fight with the club intending to offer the Canberra five-eighth a contract extension beyond 2024. Under the terms of his existing contract with the Raiders, Wighton has until round 10 to inform the club whether he intends to trigger a $1.1 million option to remain in Canberra next year. Fox League has learned Wighton has spoken to Dolphins officials about the prospect of joining the NRL’s 17th team in 2024.

Jack Wighton could be on the move for the first time in his NRL career, telling Canberra he...

"The Raiders will do whatever we can to keep Jack a one-club player and will continue to talk to his management about a package to retain him." "Jack has been incredibly loyal to the Raiders over 14 seasons and never tested himself on the market, he has always committed to this club," Furner told AAP. The 2020 Dally M medallist has told the Raiders he won't pick up an option on his contract for the 2024 season and will instead search for a new deal, presumably a long-term one.

Jack Wighton has reportedly told the Canberra Raiders he will test the free agency market ahead of signing his next deal, and now it's believed the Dolphins ...

[Wales](https://www.zerotackle.com/rugby-league/international-teams/wales/) State of Origin and Australian Kangaroos star has already been in discussions with the Dolphins. [Isaiya Katoa](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/isaiya-katoa/) and [Anthony Milford](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/anthony-milford/) as the club's halves pairing, with Milford to wear the number seven. [Wayne Bennett](https://www.zerotackle.com/coaches/wayne-bennett/) would actively make any moves to displace O'Sullivan out of the side given how strongly he started the season, playing in three victories before missing out on the club's first loss - a narrow one to the [Brisbane Broncos](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/brisbane-broncos/) on Friday - with injury. [Wayne Bennett](https://www.zerotackle.com/coaches/wayne-bennett/) had issues signing players ahead of his first season in charge at the [NRL](/)'s newest club, but has already made moves for 2024, including landing the signatures of [Herbie Farnworth](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/herbie-farnworth/) and brute force prop [Thomas Flegler](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/thomas-flegler/). [Jack Wighton](https://www.zerotackle.com/players/jack-wighton/) has reportedly told the [Canberra Raiders](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/canberra-raiders/) he will test the free agency market ahead of signing his next deal, and now it's believed the Dolphins have already been in discussions with the star. [Canberra Raiders](https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/teams/canberra-raiders/) since making his debut way back in 2012.

'Staggering' Wighton call could 'tarnish' bond with Ricky as Dolphins theory emerges.

“The Dolphins are still trying to get their marquee man. Wighton has played 224 NRL games for the Green Machine since his debut in 2012. Even after he retires you just assume he’s going to stay in Canberra.” “Does he tarnish himself there though? [ he has spoken to the Dolphins](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dolphins/nrl-2023-jack-wighton-move-to-dolphins-speaks-with-newest-club-canberra-raiders-contract-news-transfer-latest/news-story/7964ed67d84ea0af99e22410b786491d) about the prospect of signing for 2024 and beyond. “The club stood by him, they helped him through it, they’ve made him into the man he is today, they’ve paid him well all the way through and yes he’s given them great services but I’m shocked that it gets to this stage of his career and he even wants to test the waters.” Riccio said he’s still “backing the Raiders to keep him,” but Kent questioned whether the decision to go to market has already caused some damage to his relationship with the club. “This is probably the most significant contract he will sign before he retires and probably wants to see what he can get on the open market,” he said. “The developments with Mitch Moses and what he was able to achieve may also be a factor in the way Jack’s thinking with the most bang to buck.” here’s the ‘X-factor’ options](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/eels/nrl-2023-parramatta-eels-transfer-news-fullback-targets-clint-gutherson-future-positional-switch-jayden-campbell-joseph-suaalii-daine-laurie/news-story/35120b8604fcf343c9a4ef8d78d45b5b) While he acknowledged the 30-year-old “has the right” to go to market, Kent added: “I just see him as a Canberra guy. [he is going to the open market ](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-jack-wighton-to-hit-open-market-contract-canberra-raiders-future/news-story/557d14700aa5e7dd33f3c759e4229144)for the first time since joining the club as a teenager.

Jack Wighton has made the huge call to test the NRL open market, with a number of clubs likely to express interest in the Canberra, NSW and Australian star.

This is possibly his last contract, he’s got a young family to think of and we fully support that. “We’re fully prepared for this situation and he certainly deserves the chance to look around. [discussions with fullback Clint Gutherson around a potential positional switch](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/clint-gutherson-responds-parramatta-eels-contract-rumours/jxnduks95nngxcnec11dppud) down the line, which could open the door for Wighton to join the blue and gold as a fullback. [clouded future of Kalyn Ponga](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/kalyn-ponga-concussion-updates-newcastle-knights-star-return/qtwrqvcpr5hn7crv8vgfzxag) and the potential of the skipper moving back to fullback if he returns. [Josh Schuster](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/josh-schuster-manly-sea-eagles/thie7ekeydbtdsaquiifl4bs) to play five-eighth long-term and Daly Cherry-Evans still holding onto the No.7 jersey. [Fox League](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dolphins/nrl-2023-jack-wighton-move-to-dolphins-speaks-with-newest-club-canberra-raiders-contract-news-transfer-latest/news-story/7964ed67d84ea0af99e22410b786491d), Wighton has already been sounded out by [Wayne Bennett](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-expansion-2023-dolphins-wayne-bennett-sydney-rugby-league/xqol9gefad93lqtdik017qrk) and company, which could give the Redcliffe-based franchise a much-needed long-term boost in the halves. [His close relationship with Ricky Stuart](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/ricky-stuarts-defiant-jack-wighton-claim-after-starring-role-canberra-victory/oiukhbk9tfsyano5ce6lzfp7) will also likely factor into his eventual decision, with the pair sharing a 'father and son' type of bond over the years. [Jack Wighton](https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/latrell-mitchell-jack-wighton-arrest-alleged-birthday-incident/vj82raodzbaehvnbq6cbzaeo) has made the huge call to test the NRL open market, with a number of clubs likely to express interest in the Canberra, NSW and Australian star. Wighton has won a Dally M Medal and also reached a grand final while playing for the Green Machine, while his success at the representative level also came during his time in the nation's capital. With over 220 appearances for the Raiders since debuting as a teenager over a decade ago, Jack Wighton has never tested the open market and both parties have been incredibly loyal to each other. While his current club are still in the box-seat to retain his services with a fresh deal, Wighton is seeking up to $1 million per season in what will likely be his last major contract in the NRL. The 30-year-old had an option in his favour to remain with the Raiders for next season, but has opted to talk with other clubs across the competition in a surprise move.

Canberra's difficult start to the season has continued on a double dealing of bad news in relation to their superstar half Jack Wighton.

As mentioned previously, Wighton has won a Dally M medal in the capital as well as enjoyed 17 rep caps. There remains a lucrative player option for 2024. [announced his intention to 'test the market'](https://www.zerotackle.com/jack-wighton-set-to-take-next-step-in-decision-over-future-147988/).

The Dally M and Clive Churchill medallist made a shocking announcement on Tuesday when he told the Raiders he would not trigger the contract option in his ...

“His (partner's) mum lives up on the Gold Coast and he loves it (up there). “There are three clubs that have popped up that have confirmed their interest. The Dally M and Clive Churchill medallist made a shocking announcement on Tuesday when he told the Raiders he would not trigger the contract option in his favour and instead test the open market.

Biggest threat and smoky in SIX potential NRL clubs for Wighton after bombshell.

This is possibly his last contract, he’s got a young family to think of and we fully support that. “We’re fully prepared for this situation and he certainly deserves the chance to look around. However, given the Tigers are in a worse position to win a title than the Raiders and the Dolphins, a switch to Concord would be purely about the money for Wighton. Whether Wighton fits the mould and could come in as a fullback and push Gutherson to centre or even play centre himself remains to be seen. However, money could be a sticking point and the Knights are no better placed to win a title than the Raiders at this present time, so it remains to be seen if he would uproot his family unless the offer is too good to refuse. Miller has been a revelation at the back for the Knights, but Ponga’s issues with concussion means he could return to fullback to protect him from the rigours of defending in the front line. It will take a lot to pry Wighton away from the Raiders, but it all depends on what he is looking for in his last professional contract in the NRL. However, if Wighton wants to win a premiership, the Dolphins are arguably in a better position under Wayne Bennett to do so than the Raiders who have been on the slide since their last decider in 2019. The Raiders are still in the box seat to retain Wighton as they are the club who have earmarked around $1 million in their cap to re-sign him for the remainder of his career. Raiders boss Don Furner told The Daily Telegraph the club is happy to let Wighton test his value on the open market, but are confident they can table a competitive extension offer to keep him at the club for the rest of his playing days. It is unclear if his motives are related to money, position or the chance to compete for a premiership, but there are a number of clubs who could make a play for the versatile star. Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton’s decision to test his value on the open market has opened the door for a number of clubs to make a play for the Origin and Test star.

The Canberra Raiders will be scrambling after Jack Wighton's news. Find out more here.