Gamble keen to move on from Wighton biting claim

George Clarke | September 11, 2023

Newcastle’s Tyson Gamble is keen to draw a line under his claim he was bitten by Jack Wighton as the departing Canberra star faces being ruled out for the start of the 2024 season.

Wighton played his final game for the Raiders in their 30-28 elimination final defeat away to the Knights ahead of next year’s move to join South Sydney.

Gamble accused Wighton of biting him on the arm in the 47th minute after the Newcastle five-eighth had tackled the seven-cap Australian international. 

Despite protests from the Knights and Gamble showing him alleged bite marks, referee Ashley Klein only placed Wighton on report and opted not to send him off.

Wighton will be nervously awaiting the release of the NRL’s match review charge sheet on Monday but Gamble didn’t want any fuss to be made post-match.

“I want to leave that on the field. That’s footy. I don’t want to really comment now,” Gamble said.

“It’s done and dusted, we shook hands and he (Wighton) said all the best for the rest of the finals series.

“I don’t really have a comment on it. We’ll put it to the side and move on.”

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart called for the allegation to not overshadow the game, while Newcastle counterpart Adam O’Brien declined to comment.

Wighton was adamant during discussions with Klein that he had not bitten Gamble, and made a point that Gamble had his arm across his mouth after completing the tackle. 

The outgoing Raiders star could face a heavy sanction if charged.

Canberra wouldn’t be too bothered, given South Sydney will bear the brunt of any potential punishment after Wighton opted to walk away from the club earlier this year to join the Rabbitohs next season.

Former Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor was handed a four-game ban in 2020 after he bit Shaun Johnson.