The Canberra Raiders can confirm that Jack Wighton has informed the club that he will be departing the Raiders at the end of the 2023 season.
Canberra Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart has released the following statement to Raiders members and fans following the announcement.
“Yesterday, Jack informed the club that he would not be re-signing with the Raiders beyond this season.”
“I want to reassure you all that the club did everything possible to keep Jack at the Raiders and we wanted nothing more than to see him reach 300 games and become a one-club player.”
“I want to let our loyal members and fans know that I bleed green as much as you do, and as much as it hurts today, our future is still ahead of us, and we will continue on the path we best see fit to give this club the success it deserves.”
“As a club, we believe the current contracting system where players can sign well out from the end of their current contract is flawed. It is not fair to you who I see as our major stakeholders, the club, and as importantly the players. I know it would have been hard for you, our Raiders fans, because I know what the feeling was like for me, to see an image of Jack in a Souths jersey (digitally altered) on the back page of a Sydney paper today.”
“What we can do, is to assure you that the club will continue to invest in our successful development and pathways systems and continue to give players the opportunity to represent you and our great club, like so many have done over the last 40-plus years.”
“I personally won’t rest in my drive to make this club successful for you. Rest assured the current season is still our number one focus and priority. We appreciate all of your support, and we can’t wait to see you at the footy.”
