Canberra Raiders superstar Jack Wighton said he’s looking forward to playing his 200th NRL match as the club prepares to start their season on Friday night against the Sharks.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a stellar on-field career for the Raiders, scoring 63 tries since debuting in 2012 and representing the Indigenous All Stars, NSW and Australia.

Wighton also won the Clive Churchill Medal for his performance in the 2019 Grand Final and was also named the 2020 Dally M Player of the Year.

The fullback turned five-eighth said he’d had some ups and downs throughout his career and that reaching the milestone added some excitement to start the season.

“I’ve been here for many years now and it was always a dream to play one game for the club, so to play my 200th for the club is massive and it’s very exciting to start the year this way,” said Wighton.

“I’ve had a lot of great memories on and off the field, got some great mates and the club has supported me and my family for all those years.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but I’m grateful for the whole lot.”

Wighton said it was extra special to play the match in front of a home crowd after such a difficult 2020 season for the club.

“To pull on the jersey and represent them just as much as me and my family, I really cant wait,” he said.

Wighton was initially coy when asked about what he’s been working on this off season, before saying he’s looking to get more involved.

“You’ll have to wait and see on Friday night,” he laughed.

“Just playing on the ball and being involved a bit more. Try and get more touches and being in the moment rather than sitting back and waiting.”

Clubman Croker to bounce back

When asked about 291-game verteran Jarrod Croker starting the year in the NSW Cup, Wighton backed the ultimate clubman to find his way back into the side at some point this season.

“Croke’s is a champion. When I came in, he was one of my role models and he still is one of my role models,” he said.

“He’s a pure clubman and the way he holds himself and represents the club, himself and his family is second to none.

“There’s no doubt Toots [Croker] is a competitor and you don’t get to that many games without being a competitor.”

“So he’ll work hard and he’ll still represent the club in the best way he can and hell be back when the time is right.

“He’s nearly a 300 game player and the club is first in everything with him, so he’ll be getting around preparing the boys better than anybody that’s playing.”

Wighton backs Schneider as halves partner

After spending much of the pre-season training with expected halves partner Jamal Fogarty, Wighton will now play alongside youngster Brad Schneider to start the year.

21-year-old Schneider has played just the one NRL game in his career, a ten minute cameo off the bench against the Storm last year, but Wighton is confident he fill the void.

“It’s exciting. This is what its all about for young players to step up when you give them an opportunity,” Wighton said.

“He’s a very handy player and he’s one of those kids that does all the extras so that’s what gives me all the confidence in the world in him.

“He’s going to be very exciting to watch and to play with also.”

Wighton also said that his role won’t change without an experienced halfback like Fogarty alongside him and that Schneider will be expected make the position his own.

“Brad’s got a very strong running game which is going to be one of the main things for us,” he said.

“He’ll take the organising on board and he’s done a lot of work with Ricky.

“He’s going to step up and own the position and I think he’s keen on that.

“He wouldn’t have got the task if he wasn’t ready for it.

“We’ve got Sammy (Sam Williams) and Frawls (Matt Frawley) sitting in the background ready to go as well, so I’m just going to play my game like I would with Jamal.”

Wighton said wasn’t sure who will take over the goal kicking duties with Croker out of the side, but it certainly won’t be himself.

“I wouldn’t have a clue but I can’t kick goals to save my life so it won’t be me,” he smiled.

Click here to check out the Raiders round one team to take on the Sharks.