Jack Wighton contract: Where will Canberra Raiders star be playing in 2024?
Jack Wighton has made the big call to test the open NRL market, with a number of clubs likely to express interest in the Canberra, NSW and Australian star.
The 30-year-old had an option to stay with the Raiders next season but has decided to make surprise talks with other clubs in the competition.
While his current club is still on the box to keep his services running with a new deal, Wighton is targeting up to $1million a season for what is likely to be his last major contract in the NRL.
“Jack has every right to test the market,” said club boss Don Furner The Daily Telegraph.
“He’s been incredibly loyal to us for 14 seasons, he’s never walked out and tested the market…he has our full support.
“He knows we will do everything we can to keep and extend him … but as he may be his last contract he needs to do what is right for his young family and we fully understand and appreciate that.”
Wighton has until Round 10 to decide whether or not to exercise his option for next year, which is valued at an estimated $900,000 with the Raiders.
The Daily Telegraph reports that more than half of clubs in the NRL are interested in signing Wighton.
The sports news have listed the most likely destinations for Jack Wighton in 2024 below.
1. Canberra Raiders
With over 220 appearances for the Raiders since his debut as a teenager over a decade ago, Jack Wighton has never tested the open market and both parties have been incredibly loyal to one another.
Canberra supported the five-eighter during his off-field struggles in the earlier stages of his career while helping him transform from a flawed young full-back into an elite playmaker.
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.
“We’d like to see Jack finish as a one-club player and that’s certainly our goal,” said Furner The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We are fully prepared for this situation and he certainly deserves the chance to look around. This may be his last contract, he has to think about a young family and we fully support that. Nevertheless, we will do everything we can to keep him.”
The NSW and Australian star is being urged to sign an extension with the Raiders but is likely to speak to several clubs before making a decision.
His close relationship with Ricky Stuart will also likely factor into his eventual decision, as the pair have shared a sort of “father and son” bond over the years.
2. Dolphins
The Raiders’ main rival for Wighton’s signature is the NRL’s newest club.
After missing out on a number of high-profile players before entering the competition, the Dolphins have exceeded expectations as the 2023 season begins and added some big names for next year.
Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler will exit the Broncos in a mighty coup at the end of this season, while players like Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow lit the league in the early stages of their inaugural season.
According to a report by fox league, Wighton has already been probed by Wayne Bennett and company, which could give the Redcliffe-based franchise a much-needed long-term boost in the half.
3. Newcastle Knights
While only two clubs have entered the race so far, Newcastle could be a logical option for Wighton to land in 2024.
The 30-year-old would add plenty of class and see the No 6 jumper, especially with Kalyn Ponga’s tarnished future and the skipper’s potential returning to full-back on his return.
Wighton’s power and running game would complement the organizing and playmaking skills of Jackson Hastings, who has already made an impact for the Knights since arriving this season.
4. Parramatta eels
One club that has been in the news around the same time as Wighton’s shock decision are the Parramatta Eels – but is that just a coincidence?
Last year’s finalists have spoken to full-back Clint Gutherson about a potential change of position across the board that could open the door for Wighton to join the Blue and Golds at full-back.
Wighton is also able to play in the centers, while Dylan Brown’s contract situation is also quite fluid.
While Wighton is unlikely to end up with the Eels, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
5. West’s Tigers
Whenever a big name is unsigned and on the open market, you best believe the Wests Tigers are interested.
Given their salary cap flexibility with the likes of Luke Brooks and Daine Laurie without deals for 2024 and Adam Doueihi suspended for just another 18 months, Wighton’s value to the struggling side could be huge.
Whether the coaching duo of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall will be enough to lure him away from Canberra remains to be seen, but accordingly the daily telegraph, They’re one of many clubs in the mix.