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Friday, May 17, 2024

Raiders stars back Jack Wighton to join million-dollar club

Jack Wighton is poised to join the NRL’s million-dollar club should he pen a new deal with the Canberra Raiders, and his teammates maintain he’d be worth every penny.

Wighton shocked many when he declined a player option for 2024 to test the open market, but the Raiders have moved quickly to try and lock up their best player by reportedly offering him a four-year contract worth $4.4 million.

He’s been linked with a move to Queensland with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett suggesting he’d pay Wighton more than $1 million per season if they think he’s the right fit.

Jamal Fogarty pointed to his halves partner’s glowing resume as evidence Wighton belonged in the same seven-figure club that includes  Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic, Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco.

“He’s done everything in the game – Dally M and Clive Churchill, he’s won a World Cup, he’s won Origins, the only thing he hasn’t won is a premiership,” Fogarty said.

“Whatever the club’s willing to pay him then I think he’s entitled to it.

“We’ve got a great friendship off the field here and they’ve made us so comfortable down here, so whatever Jack and his family decide we’re always there to support them no matter what.”

Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead agreed Wighton had “definitely” earned the monster pay packet, but said there hadn’t been much chat among the players about the star’s contract status.

“He’s been massive for this team. He’s done everything in the game so deserves everything he gets,” he said.

“I hope he does stay here because he’s a massive part of the club and the organisation here and what he brings to the team is massive, but it’s down to him and his family at the end of the day.”

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