Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues five-eighth Jack Wighton is certainly relishing the opportunity to play in his preferred position for the third instalment of the 2021 Ampol State of Origin series.
Coming from a Canberra Raiders outfit that has been struggling for form throughout the NRL season, there is no greater vote of confidence for the 2020 Dally M Medal winner than being selected in the NSW No.6 jersey by Fittler himself - the Blues’ most successful five-eighth.
Speaking on his first day of Game Three camp on Wednesday morning, Wighton had a simple response for the critics questioning his form of late.
“I’m one of those players, I put my best on the park each week,” Wighton said.
“Obviously things aren’t flowing too well for us down in Canberra and it is something we’ve got to try and change.
“It’s definitely good for the confidence to be selected in this team in this team in the five-eighth position.
“Many people may say my form’s not up to what it usually is, but when people say stuff like that you don’t let it get to you.”
Wighton also pointed out the experience of being around the squad during a successful series again, but is now prepared to take on a straightforward role alongside new halves partner Mitchell Moses.
“It’s been a good series and very enjoyable with the boys, and it’s a big honour to try and put the cap on it next Wednesday night and finish it off,” he said.
“He’s (Moses) a very good organiser of the game and it will let me do me, (and) play my running role.
“He’ll take care of the rest.”
As for the other aspects of his role next week, Wighton is looking forward to making the most of the Blues’ artillery on the edges, particularly in the form of Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic.
“We’ve seen what he’s (Mitchell’s) done the last few games and the whole year at Souths,” Wighton said.
“He’s definitely a big weapon on our edge so we will try and get him as much ball as possible.
“It’s not up to us (getting Trbojevic involved) - Tommy’s his own man and he’s very good at what he does.
“Having him (Trbojevic), Latrell and Teddy, we’ve got three fullbacks on the field and it really shows.
“He pops up anywhere and he’s unbelievable at doing that kind of workload that no one else can, so Tommy will be free to do what he wants and it’s definitely not us who will be holding him back.”
