Wighton would suit Souths to a tee: Tom Burgess

Scott Bailey | April 21, 2023

South Sydney prop Tom Burgess says Jack Wighton would be a perfect fit at the Rabbitohs, as the Canberra star decides on his future.

Wighton met with Souths officials in Sydney on Friday after the club’s memorial service for the late John Sattler, as the 30-year-old weighs up a potential four-year deal.

The talks follow Wighton’s discussion with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett on Thursday, with the Canberra five-eighth using the Raiders’ bye this week to consider his future.

Souths remain favourites to sign the 30-year-old, despite their offer of around $850,000 per season being well below the $1.1 million tabled by Canberra.

But Wighton’s close links with fellow Indigenous star Latrell Mitchell is likely to play a significant role in his decision.

He shares the same management company as Mitchell and fellow Rabbitoh Cody Walker, with agent Matt Rose spotted in the stands during South Sydney’s win over Penrith on Thursday night.

There are several other links between Wighton and Rabbitohs players.

The Raiders were based in the same hotel as Souths during the 2021 Queensland COVID-19 lockdown and the teams grew closer.

Burgess is another with strong links to Wighton, with several of his England teammates having played with the Raiders man in Canberra.

Burgess made his own pitch for the five-eighth to join the Rabbitohs.

“He would suit our club. He is a big family man, he has a few kids there,” Burgess said.

“He is a great lad, everyone speaks highly of him.

“Quite a few English lads who have played in Canberra have all said good things about him.

“And the boys who have played with him here too. He’s been a massive addition to any team.”

Burgess said he had grown closer to Wighton in Queensland.

“I was actually surprised he was younger than me. I thought he was older, he has played a lot of games for his age,” Burgess said.

“It’s just fitting him in that will be the real head case.”

If Souths do fit Wighton into their salary cap, he would be expected to play left centre for the first two years before possibly transitioning to five-eighth in 2026 after Walker’s likely retirement.

Walker and Cook come off contract at the end of 2025, meaning Wighton’s $3.4 million deal would likely be back-ended to fit the Rabbitohs’ cap.

That ploy would potentially leave Souths looking for a new role for highly rated young centre Isaiah Tass, who proved to be the matchwinner against Penrith on Thursday night.

“I’m a big fan of Tass,” Souths coach Jason Demetriou said after the win. 

“Have been since he came to the club. He is a guy who is getting better all the time, he is probably coming up to 25 games now in the NRL.”