Wikipedia

Jack Wighton

For the Australian rules footballer, see Jack Wighton (footballer).

Jack Wighton (born 4 February 1993) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League (NRL).[2][3] Wighton has spent most of his club career as a five-eighth and has played centre at the interstate and international level.

Jack Wighton
Personal information
Full nameJack Daniel Wighton
Born (1993-02-04) 4 February 1993 (age 31)
Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Height190 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight96 kg (15 st 2 lb)
Playing information
PositionFive-eighth, Centre, Fullback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2012–23 Canberra Raiders 242 75 0 0 300
2024– South Sydney 21 6 0 0 24
Total 263 81 0 0 324
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2013–21 Indigenous All Stars 6 0 0 0 0
2013–16 NSW Country 4 1 0 0 4
2015 Prime Minister's XIII 1 1 0 0 4
2019–22 New South Wales 11 3 0 0 12
2019–22 Australia 7 3 0 0 12
Source: [1]
As of 30 August 2024

Wighton has also played at representative level for the Indigenous All Stars, Country Origin, Prime Minister's XIII, and New South Wales in the State of Origin series. He won the Dally M Medal in 2020 playing five-eighth but has also played as a fullback, centre and winger.

Background

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Wighton was born in Orange, New South Wales, Australia. He is Wiradjuri on his mother's side, and his family are from Peak Hill (Bulgandramine Mission) and Wellington, New South Wales. Other rugby league players that Wighton is related to include Brent Naden, Willie Tonga, and Latrell Mitchell.[4]

Wighton played his junior football for Orange CYMS and Bloomfield Tigers before being signed by the Canberra Raiders. He played for the Werribee Centrals Football Club reserves sides.

 
Jack Wighton playing for the Canberra Raiders U20s side in 2011

Wighton left his job as a brickie's labourer to pursue a career in football.

Playing career

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Early career

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Wighton has represented NSW Under 18s and Australian Schoolboys in 2010.

Wighton played for the Raiders NYC team in 2011 before being promoted to the Raiders full-time NRL squad.[5][6]

2012

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In Round 2 of the 2012 NRL season, Wighton made his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders against the Gold Coast Titans, having an impressive debut match on the wing in the Raiders 24–12 win at Robina Stadium.[7] In round 6, against the New Zealand Warriors, Wighton scored his first NRL try in the Raiders 32–12 win at Canberra Stadium.[8] On 30 May 2012, Wighton suffered a toe injury in a freak trampoline accident which resulted in him missing most of the year, until he made a return in the semi-final match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Raiders 38–16 loss at ANZ Stadium.[9][10][11] On 22 August 2012, Wighton extended his contract with the Raiders until the end of the 2014 season.[12] Wighton finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 9 matches and scoring 2 tries for the Raiders in the 2012 NRL season.

2013

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On 9 February 2013, Wighton was selected to play for the Indigenous All Stars off the interchange bench in the 32–6 win over the NRL All Stars team at Suncorp Stadium.[13] Wighton was also selected to play for NSW Country at centre against NSW City in Country's 18–12 win in Coffs Harbour.[14] Wighton finished the 2013 NRL season with him playing in 18 matches and scoring 4 tries for the Raiders. On 1 November 2013 Wighton re-signed with the Raiders until the end of 2016.[15]

2014

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Wighton started the season playing at five-eighth by incoming Raider coach Ricky Stuart.[16] On 4 May 2014, Wighton played at centre for NSW Country against NSW City in the 26-26 all draw.[17] In Round 10 against the Penrith Panthers, Wighton returned to his preferred centre position in the Raiders 26–20 loss at Canberra Stadium.[18] Wighton played at centre until Round 24, when he was selected to play at fullback for a clash with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. He had a successful match, helping the Raiders to a 22–12 win at Shark Park.[19] Wighton had a successful end of the season at fullback for the Raiders. Wighton finished the 2014 NRL season having played in 20 matches and scored 6 tries. On 9 September 2014, Wighton was selected in the Australia Kangaroos 2014 Four Nations train-on squad but didn't make the final 24-man squad.[20]

2015

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On 13 February 2015, Wighton was selected on the interchange bench for the Indigenous All Stars in the 2015 All Stars match. The Indigenous side won 20–6 over the NRL All Stars at Robina Stadium.[21][22]

 
Wighton playing for Country in 2015

On 3 May 2015, Wighton played for New South Wales Country against New South Wales City in the 2015 City vs Country Origin match, playing at centre and scoring a try in Country's 34–22 win at Wagga Wagga.[23] In Round 25 against the Penrith Panthers, Wighton was charged with a grade two careless high tackle after he blindsided Panthers halfback Jamie Soward, following a break downfield. The hit left Soward unconscious and he had to be assisted off the field on a stretcher during the Raiders 34–18 win at Canberra Stadium.[24] He was later suspended for a match, missing out in the Raiders last match of the season.[25] Wighton finished the 2015 NRL season having played in 20 matches and scoring 7 tries for the Raiders. On 26 September 2015, Wighton played for the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea, scoring a try in the 40–12 win in Port Moresby.[26][27]

2016

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On 13 January 2016, Wighton was named in the emerging New South Wales Blues squad.[28] On 13 February 2016, Wighton played for the Indigenous All Stars against the World All Stars, playing off the interchange bench in the 12–8 loss at Suncorp Stadium.[29][30] On 8 May 2016, Wighton played for Country Origin against City Origin, where he played at fullback in the 44–30 loss in Tamworth.[31] On 8 September 2016, Wighton was very lucky to escape a 3-week suspension for a shoulder charge in which he did on Wests Tigers player Joel Edwards in Round 26 in the 52-10 thumping win at Leichhardt Oval.[32] The suspension could have ruled out Wighton from all the Raiders 3 finals matches and ended his season early.[33] Wighton finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing 26 matches and scoring 8 tries for the Raiders.

2017

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On 10 February 2017, Wighton played for the Indigenous All Stars against the World All Stars in the 2017 All Stars match, starting at fullback in the 34–8 win at Hunter Stadium.[34] In Round 7 against the New Zealand Warriors, Wighton played his 100th NRL career match in the 20–8 win at Canberra Stadium.[35][36] On 23 May 2017, Wighton extended his contract with the Raiders to the end of the 2020 season.[37] Wighton finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 23 matches and scoring 7 tries for the Raiders.

2018

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Wighton warming up for Canberra in 2019

On 28 June 2018, Wighton was stood down by Canberra after admitting in court to assault and urinating in public during a Canberra night out earlier in the year.[38] On 9 July, Wighton was suspended by Canberra for six matches but elected not to terminate his contract regardless of the outcome of the court case hearing.[39] On 13 July, The NRL who were unhappy with the suspension Canberra handed down to Wighton, increased his suspension to ten matches, which put him out for the rest of the season, plus a monetary fine of $30,000.[40] Wighton ultimately avoided jail time.[41]

He finished the 2018 NRL season having played in thirteen matches and scoring three tries.

2019

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In round 5 of the 2019 NRL season against the Parramatta Eels, Wighton scored a try from a Sam Williams cross field kick in the 61st Minute to seal Canberra's fourth win of the season whilst also solidifying Wighton's position as five-eighth of the side.

On 5 June, Wighton made his State of Origin debut off the bench for New South Wales in game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium. In the 56th minute, Wighton was interchanged for Cody Walker at five-eighth, he then went on to throw an intercept pass for Dane Gagai to run the length of the field and score in the 67th minute of the game. New South Wales would go on to lose the game 18–14.

On 16 June, Wighton was a shock selection at centre replacing Latrell Mitchell for New South Wales for game 2 in Perth. New South Wales went on to win the game 2 38–6.[42]

On 10 July, Wighton was part of the Origin decider for New South Wales at left centre in which New South Wales won 26–20 at ANZ Stadium.[43]

In round 22, Wighton played his 150th NRL game for Canberra in their 18–22 win over the Melbourne Storm at AAMI park. Wighton made a total of 26 appearances for Canberra as the club reached their first grand final in 25 years. In the 2019 NRL Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters, Wighton scored a try in the first half. Canberra would go on to lose the final 14–8 at ANZ Stadium. Wighton was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal after being voted man of the match, making him the fourth man to achieve this from a losing side, joining Canberra's Bradley Clyde (1991), St George's Brad Mackay (1993) and Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans (2013).[44][45][46]

On 7 October, Wighton was named in the Australian side for the upcoming Oceania Cup fixtures.

 
Wighton warming up for the Kangaroos at the 2021 RLWC

2020

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In round 16 of the 2020 NRL season, Wighton scored two tries in a 34–20 victory over Canterbury-Bankstown at GIO Stadium.[47]

In round 18 against St. George, he scored two tries in a 37–8 victory for Canberra at WIN Stadium.[48]

Wighton was rewarded for a stellar home and away season by being named joint Meninga Medal winner with Josh Papalii, having finished on atop the voting for the club's player of the year award at a subdued in-house ceremony.[49]

Wighton also took home the Dally M Medal as the NRL's player of the year after polling 26 votes to edge out Clint Gutherson and Nathan Cleary.[50] There was controversy around the announcement after the Daily Telegraph published the results hours before the ceremony took place.

Wighton was selected for the 2020 State of Origin series but was played out of position in the centres by New South Wales coach Brad Fittler. Wighton played in all three games for New South Wales as they suffered a shock 2–1 defeat against Queensland.[51]

2021

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In round 10 of the 2021 NRL season, Wighton was sent to the sin bin after using an illegal cannonball tackle on Canterbury player Adam Elliott during the club's 20–18 victory.[52]

On 30 May, Wighton was selected by New South Wales for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series despite his poor form at club level for Canberra.[53]

Wighton played 21 games for Canberra in the 2021 NRL season which saw the club finish a disappointing 10th place on the table.[54][55]

 
Wighton after Australia won the 2021 RLWC Final

2022

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On 29 May, Wighton was selected by New South Wales to play in game one of the 2022 State of Origin series.[56]

In October, he was named in the Australia squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[57]

Wighton played for Australia in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup final victory over Samoa.[58]

2023

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On 5 February, it was alleged that Wighton who was out celebrating his 30th birthday became involved in a fight with South Sydney player and Australian teammate Latrell Mitchell. Witnesses saw the pair allegedly fight in the Canberra CBD outside a nightclub on Bunda Street at 3:45AM and called police. ACT Police subsequently charged Wighton with fighting in a public place and failing to comply with an exclusion direction. Wighton was ordered to attend ACT Magistrates Court on 22 February 2023 regarding the incident.[59] He pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned to 30 October 2023.[60][61]

In round 4 of the 2023 NRL season, Wighton scored a try and was also sent to the sin bin during Canberra's 24–14 loss against Newcastle.[62] On 18 April, Wighton announced his retirement from representative rugby league. On 26 April, it was announced that Wighton had signed with South Sydney from 2024 on a four-year deal.[2][3]

Wighton played his last game for Canberra in their 28-30 extra time elimination final loss to the Newcastle Knights. Placed on report for an alleged bite on Tyson Gamble but not penalised during the match,[63] Wighton was later found guilty and suspended for three matches.[64]

2024

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In round 3 of the 2024 NRL season, Wighton made his club debut for South Sydney in their 48-6 loss against arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters.[65] The following week, Wighton scored two tries for South Sydney in their 20-16 victory over Canterbury.[66] In round 18, Wighton scored two tries for South Sydney in their 32-16 victory over Parramatta.[67] Wighton played 21 games for South Sydney in his first season at the club as they finished second last on the table.[68]

Statistics

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Year Team Games Tries Goals Field Goals Pts
2012   Canberra Raiders 9 2 0 0 8
2013 18 4 0 0 16
2014 20 6 0 0 24
2015 21 7 0 0 28
2016 26 8 0 0 32
2017 23 7 0 0 28
2018 13 3 0 0 12
2019 26 9 0 0 36
2020 22 13 0 0 52
2021 21 5 0 0 20
2022 21 4 0 0 16
2023 22 7 0 0 28
2024   South Sydney Rabbitohs 21 6 0 0 24
Totals 263 81 0 0 324

Assault charges

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In February 2018, Wighton assaulted five people outside a nightclub while celebrating his birthday in Canberra, and was charged for a number of offences including assault and public urination,[69][70] which he initially pleaded not guilty to until prosecutors said they were prepared to produce CCTV evidence. In June, Wighton pleaded guilty to six charges in the ACT Magistrates Court, including assault and public urination, while prosecutors dropped the remaining charges.[38] In July, Wighton was suspended by the Raiders for six matches, but the club confirmed his contract would not be terminated.[39] After viewing the CCTV footage, the NRL extended his suspension until the end of the season, and fined him $30,000.[40] On 14 November, Wighton received a two-month suspended sentence and a $3,500 fine. Magistrate Bernadette Boss noted his positive character references and existing punishment from the NRL.[41] Following sentencing, the footage of Wighton in urine-soaked trousers launching unprovoked attacks on five different passers-by was released to the media.[70]

References

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  1. ^ "Jack Wighton". rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Jack Wighton breaks silence on bombshell Origin call amid speculation of Freddy rift". www.foxsports.com.au. 18 April 2023.
  3. ^ a b "'No faith in the club': Meninga 'disappointed' by Wighton's shock Raiders exit". www.foxsports.com.au. 26 April 2023.
  4. ^ Helmers, Caden (7 February 2017). "Canberra Raiders prop Junior Paulo suspended from round one of the NRL season". The Canberra Times.
  5. ^ "NSW Under 18s - NSWRL Academy". Fox Sports Pulse. 15 June 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  6. ^ Debenham, Sam (24 November 2010). "Wighton helps schoolboys' side to winning start". Central Western Daily. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  7. ^ Jon Tuxworth (11 March 2012). "Wighton the centre of attention on the wing". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  8. ^ "First Half Blitz Sets Up Raiders Victory Over Warriors in Canberra". The Australian. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  9. ^ "Wighton set for NRL return against Souths". Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  10. ^ "Rabbitohs Take On Raiders at ANZ Stadium in Second NRL Final". Foxsports.com.au. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  11. ^ "Trampoline Bounces Raider Jack Wighton for Season". The Australian. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  12. ^ Otto, Tyson (22 August 2012). "Canberra Raiders youngster Jack Wighton signs contract extension". News.com.au. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  13. ^ Burke, Dominic (9 February 2013). "REPLAY: Indigenous All Stars 32 d NRL All Stars 6 at Suncorp Stadium". News.com.au. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  14. ^ "Country Overcome City in Close Clash". Foxsports. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  15. ^ Jon Tuxworth (1 November 2013). "Jack Wighton re-signs with Canberra Raiders". Canberra Times. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  16. ^ Jon Tuxworth (10 March 2014). "Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has five-eighth plans for Jack Wighton". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  17. ^ Barry Toohey (4 May 2014). "Hulking Centre Jamal Idris Stars in Thrilling City/Country Draw in Dubbo". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  18. ^ Paul Crawley (18 May 2014). "Ricky Stuart Rant and Foul Language Mar Penrith Panthers 26-20 Win over Canberra Raiders". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  19. ^ Dean Ritchie (24 August 2014). "Sharks Set for Wooden Spoon as Anthony Milford Magic Wins Canberra Raiders Basement Battle". Foxsports. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  20. ^ Jon Tuxworth (8 September 2014). "Canberra Raiders quartet chosen in Australia's Four Nations train-on squad". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  21. ^ "Jack Wighton Wins Selection in Indigenous All Stars". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  22. ^ "Indigenous All Stars Have Beaten the NRL Stars 26-6". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  23. ^ "Country overcome City in seesawing affair". NRL.com. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  24. ^ "Jamie Howard Hospiltalised but Jack Wighton Cops a One Week Ban after Massive Collision". Foxpsorts. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  25. ^ Lee Gaskin (6 September 2015). "NRL: The five key talking points from Canberra Raiders' win against Parramatta Eels". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  26. ^ "Merrin to lead Prime Minister's XIII". NRL.com. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  27. ^ Tom Decent (26 September 2015). "Australian Prime Minister's XIII beat Papua New Guinea 40-12 in Port Moresby". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  28. ^ "Daley names 2016 Emerging Blues". NRL News. 13 January 2016.
  29. ^ "Teams named for NRL All Stars match". 15 December 2015.
  30. ^ Chris Garry (13 February 2016). "World All Stars defeat Indigenous All Stars 12-8 at Suncorp Stadium". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  31. ^ Walter, Brad (8 May 2016). "Country Origin v City Origin: Cartwright emerges as Origin contender in 44-30 City win" – via The Sydney Morning Herald.
  32. ^ "Raiders relief as Wighton cleared". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 6 September 2016.
  33. ^ Decent, Tom (6 September 2016). "NRL finals 2016: Canberra Raiders fullback Jack Wighton found not guilty at match review committee". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  34. ^ "Indigenous All Stars too hot to handle". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 10 February 2017.
  35. ^ "Confusion clouds Wighton's milestone". National Rugby League. 13 April 2017.
  36. ^ "Leilua helps Raiders beat Warriors". National Rugby League. 15 April 2017.
  37. ^ "NRL: Canberra Raiders re-sign Jack Wighton until the end of 2020". 23 May 2017.
  38. ^ a b Lowrey, Tom (28 June 2018). "Raiders bar Jack Wighton from Broncos game following his guilty plea". ABC News.
  39. ^ a b "Canberra Raiders hand down six-week suspension to Jack Wighton over assault case". www.sportingnews.com. 8 July 2018.
  40. ^ a b "NRL hands Jack Wighton 10-week ban after assault charge". The Guardian. 13 July 2018.
  41. ^ a b Dalzell, Stephanie (14 November 2018). "'A big muck up': Footage shows Canberra attack as NRL star Jack Wighton walks free". ABC News.
  42. ^ "Latrell Mitchell dumped as NSW make seven changes for State of Origin Game 2". Guardian. 17 June 2019.
  43. ^ "Emotional Blues legend Wayne Pearce opens up on his son Mitchell's battle". www.news.com.au.
  44. ^ Matt Bungard; Roy Ward (6 October 2019). "NRL grand final player ratings: Roosters and Raiders hits and misses". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  45. ^ "Sydney Roosters beat Canberra Raiders to win NRL Grand Final". BBC Sport.
  46. ^ "How Ricky Stuart reacted to grand final 'six-again' refereeing shocker". WWOS.
  47. ^ "Melbourne Storm beat Manly in 30-6 NRL win, Raiders come from behind to down Bulldogs". ABC News. 30 August 2020.
  48. ^ "Dragons young gun Cody Ramsey's dream debut as proud mum watches on". www.foxsports.com.au. 12 September 2020.
  49. ^ "Papalii and Wighton named Raiders' best at 2020 Meninga Medal". Canberra Weekly. Newstate Media. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  50. ^ "Raiders' Wighton caps stellar season with Dally M Medal". Canberra Weekly. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  51. ^ "State of Origin 2020 game 3: Qld Maroons beat NSW Blues – as it happened". www.theguardian.com. 18 November 2020.
  52. ^ "Sydney Roosters beat Nth Queensland 30-16, South Sydney defeat Cronulla 32-22 and Canberra beats the Bulldogs 20-18". ABC News. 15 May 2021.
  53. ^ "NSW Origin team: Luai gets nod for Freddie's fresh-faced Blues". www.nrl.com. 30 May 2021.
  54. ^ "Roosters' 'Mr Fix It' stuns with hat-trick, Sloppy Raiders' final fade out ends season: 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au. 2 September 2021.
  55. ^ "Tough conversations coming for senior Canberra stars as interest grows in Parramatta young gun Dylan Brown". www.theaustralian.com.au.
  56. ^ "Wighton starts at centre as Blues confirm lineup for Game One". www.nrl.com. 30 May 2022.
  57. ^ Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021
  58. ^ McLaughlin, Luke (19 November 2022). "Australia 30-10 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened". The Guardian.
  59. ^ Sport, Guardian (5 February 2023). "NRL stars Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton arrested, charged after birthday brawl". The Guardian.
  60. ^ "Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell plead not guilty over 'harmless' fight at Canberra nightclub". ABC News. 21 February 2023.
  61. ^ "'Don't get it twisted': Latrell, Souths respond to Kangaroos confusion". 3 October 2023.
  62. ^ "Cronulla thrashes St George Illawarra 40-8 as Newcastle, Warriors enjoy NRL victories". ABC News. 26 March 2023.
  63. ^ Liam O'Loughlin (10 September 2023). "Jack Wighton biting incident: Canberra Raiders star placed on report during elimination final defeat". The Sporting News. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  64. ^ "Judiciary live blog: Wighton found guilty of biting, panel considering suspension". www.nrl.com. 12 September 2023.
  65. ^ "Souths set for serious 'soul-searching' as Roosters stars run riot in 'total domination': Big hits". www.foxsports.com.au.
  66. ^ "Huge 'relief' as star recruit inspires Bunnies to first win; Dogs rue missed chances: What we learned". www.foxsports.com.au.
  67. ^ "Moses frustration hits boiling point as Eels sink to fourth-straight loss". www.smh.com.au.
  68. ^ "The Mole's end of season review: What went wrong at the South Sydney Rabbitohs?". www.nine.com.au.
  69. ^ Nowroozi, Isaac (8 April 2018). "Canberra Raiders star to face charges over alleged brawl". ABC News.
  70. ^ a b "Footage of Jack Wighton's violent and drunken rampage has been revealed". 14 November 2018.
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