Wighton helped spark Canberra’s five-match winning streak, which coincided with his decision to quit the club after 14 years for a switch to South Sydney.
Latrell Mitchell pinches the ball off Junior Paulo during the Indigenous Round clash between Souths and the Eels.Credit: Getty
The 30-year-old said the decision lifted a weight off his shoulders, but was also a reminder of unfinished business in the nation’s capital.
By sitting out this year’s Origin series, Wighton will be able to focus on making a victorious farewell from the Green Machine.
“For now I am [retired from Origin] – it’s a decision I’ve made, but what the future holds the future holds,” Wighton said about answering a potential Blues SOS call in 2024.
“NSW are in great hands – we have great young kids, tough kids and a great coaching staff. I have all the confidence in the world the other boys will do a great job.
“Definitely for this year I’m done, and I’m excited to see my Blues brothers go to war and put on a show.
“I love NSW, and I will always have that fire in the belly when it comes to Origin.
“It’s something to talk about later. Right now, all I’m focused on is the Raiders and getting the two points this weekend against Manly.”
As for how much easier life had become since he made a call on his next career move, Wighton said: “It was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but it’s a decision I’ve made, and one I’m going to back in.
“I’ve given 14 years of service to this club, and I’d never disrespect myself or the club by tossing up shit for the rest of the year.
“Whenever I pull on this jersey – whenever I pull on any jersey – I’ll always give 100 per cent to the final bell.”
Hudson Young is eager for Origin action.Credit: Getty
With Wighton and now Josh Papalii stepping down from the Origin arena, Corey Horsburgh and Young loom as bench hopefuls for Queensland and NSW, respectively.
Young contacted Wighton as soon as he made a call on his own Origin availability.
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“The first message he sent me was, ‘Please help me make the Blues team’,” Wighton said.
“Hudson is a good boy. He’s my back-rower. He’s one of those guys who lives and breathes footy. He lives and breathes it a little bit too much for me. I like to chill out, but he’s always talking about the game and trying to better himself.
“There will be no wrongdoing if he gets a start; he’s got mongrel and would put it all on the line.”
The Raiders will wear a jumper designed by Indigenous artist Eddie Longford that includes the Murrumbidgee River, which is a significant resource to the Ngunnawal people. It also includes the Brindabella mountains and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.