Canberra Raiders star five-eighth Jack Wighton has retired from representative football this morning, ruling himself out of the upcoming State of Origin series.

The 30-year-old played as a centre in Australia’s World Cup triumph last year and has played 10 games for the NSW Blues across his career.

Wighton was one of the Blues best players in Game One last year, but then missed Game Two due to COVID and was controversially left out for the decider which Queensland won.

NSW advisor Greg Alexander has described the news as “a blow” ahead of this year’s State of Origin series.

Alexander, who has communicated with Wighton via text, told AAP that NSW coach Brad Fittler spoke to the player on Sunday and the reason for his retirement was  to “focus on club and family”.

The 30-year-old has played seven Tests for Australia and 10 Origin games for NSW in multiple positions.

“He has been a big part of the NSW side for the last four years so it is a blow. Jack is a great Origin player,” Alexander said.

Alexander said Wighton, asides from his skill levels, “brings a toughness that is unique”, and would be missed.

“Jack’s efforts when he has been on the field have been extraordinary,” Alexander said.

“When you mention Origin, Jack’s name belongs with that style of football … tough, unrelenting, give anything for his teammates.

“(Wighton’s retirement) is disappointing … but it is his decision.”

There has been plenty of speculation about Wighton’s club future as well, with the 2020 Dally M Medalist recently opting to test the open market at the end of the year.

The Raiders have reportedly tabled a four-year deal worth $4.4 million to try keep Wighton a one-club player.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has already come out saying the club would be willing to pay him more than $1 million a season if he was the right fit.

With AAP