Jack Wighton breaks down in tears as Canberra star opens up on 'very tough week' following his 'messy' move to South Sydney
- last year
Jack Wighton struggled to hold back the tears as the Canberra star lifted the lid on what he described as a 'very tough week' following his side's golden point win over the Dolphins.
Wighton has been in the spotlight all week after making a controversial switch to South Sydney Rabbitohs, which has led to the NRL opening an investigation into the Bunnies after he accepted a $1million pay cut to move to NSW.
The 30-year-old was on the receiving end of vile abuse on social media, while he's also copped criticism for ditching the Raiders after 14 years with the club.
And speaking to Fox League after his side's 31-30 victory over the Dolphins, Wighton wore his heart on his sleeve.
'It was huge,' he said. 'It's been a very tough week. A couple of messy decisions and that, so to come and win this with my brothers, it's big.'
When asked by Lara Pitt whether he's been supported by his Canberra teammates, Wighton said: 'Yeah, they're good boys. I love them all.'
He added that he wants to go out on a high for Ricky Stuart's side.
'Yeah, that's what it's all about. Fourteen years, finish here strong, make memories, and enjoy it. '
As he walked away from the Fox Sports crew, Wighton was seen wiping away tears and was consoled by Raiders staff.
Before the game, Stuart admitted that the move initially 'p***ed me off' but after speaking with Wighton, he understands his decision.
'Jack and I have been communicating and the five or six different excuses I keep hearing out there is complete crap,' Stuart said on Fox League.
'Jack wanted a change and I get that, the timing of it is wrong and I said earlier in the week, the system is flawed.
'Jack shouldn't be put under this pressure in regards to having to make a decision now, there should be a window where everybody has the opportunity to decide to leave or stay at his club.
'It's unfair on the fans, and I am all for the fans too because they are one of our biggest stakeholders.
'But Jack and I have had regular communication and I felt for Jack having to make the decision, I understand the decision, and I'm comfortable for Jack making that decision to leave it was just unfortunate with the timing.'
Wighton has been in the spotlight all week after making a controversial switch to South Sydney Rabbitohs, which has led to the NRL opening an investigation into the Bunnies after he accepted a $1million pay cut to move to NSW.
The 30-year-old was on the receiving end of vile abuse on social media, while he's also copped criticism for ditching the Raiders after 14 years with the club.
And speaking to Fox League after his side's 31-30 victory over the Dolphins, Wighton wore his heart on his sleeve.
'It was huge,' he said. 'It's been a very tough week. A couple of messy decisions and that, so to come and win this with my brothers, it's big.'
When asked by Lara Pitt whether he's been supported by his Canberra teammates, Wighton said: 'Yeah, they're good boys. I love them all.'
He added that he wants to go out on a high for Ricky Stuart's side.
'Yeah, that's what it's all about. Fourteen years, finish here strong, make memories, and enjoy it. '
As he walked away from the Fox Sports crew, Wighton was seen wiping away tears and was consoled by Raiders staff.
Before the game, Stuart admitted that the move initially 'p***ed me off' but after speaking with Wighton, he understands his decision.
'Jack and I have been communicating and the five or six different excuses I keep hearing out there is complete crap,' Stuart said on Fox League.
'Jack wanted a change and I get that, the timing of it is wrong and I said earlier in the week, the system is flawed.
'Jack shouldn't be put under this pressure in regards to having to make a decision now, there should be a window where everybody has the opportunity to decide to leave or stay at his club.
'It's unfair on the fans, and I am all for the fans too because they are one of our biggest stakeholders.
'But Jack and I have had regular communication and I felt for Jack having to make the decision, I understand the decision, and I'm comfortable for Jack making that decision to leave it was just unfortunate with the timing.'