Wighton exit paves way for 'blessing in disguise'

The departure of Jack Wighton was meant to bring the Raiders to their knees this year – but instead, the side are sitting pretty inside the NRL’s top-four.

The superstar five-eighth left the nation’s capital for seemingly greener pastures, inking a long-term deal with the Rabbitohs that so far, has led to nothing but defeat.

But back in Canberra, the performances of Wighton’s former team and the young crop of talent coming through has impressed and surprised many within rugby league land, as the likes of Ethan Strange and Chevy Stewart begin to make their mark.

Speaking on Wide World Of Sports’ Billy Slater Podcast, the rugby league legend heaped praise on the rookies and believes Wighton’s shock departure could be a “blessing in disguise” long-term for the Green Machine.

“The world was ending in Canberra when Jack Wighton left last year,” Slater said.

“It was like the Canberra Raiders may as well not even turn up next year, that was the feeling around it. He is a great player – but it comes with opportunity.

“I remember when Matt Orford left the Melbourne Storm, he was a premiership-winning player and went on to win a Dally M Medal. When he decided to go on to Manly, there was a lot of talk around … all of a sudden, a bloke by the name of Cooper Cronk came in and wore the No.7 for Melbourne and he did alright.

“There’s disappointment with a player leaving … but it can be a blessing in disguise.”