Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton will test the market with a player option in his contract for the 2024 season.Credit:Getty
Cronulla’s extension talks with Nicho Hynes,for instance,have been slowed somewhat by the uncertainty. His value only goes one way in the meantime.
Rugby league’s market waits for no-one though,which is why lucrative,long-term deals for the likes of Moses,Stephen Crichton,Herbie Farnworth and the like have still been pushed through.
Several clubs contacted following the Wighton news held fire on Tuesday. His quality,versatility and durability,in a market that again waits for no-one,will shift that soon enough.
So too,the season-long dynamic at clubs with room under the salary cap and a hole to fill,be it at five-eighth or centre.
The Tigers are the obvious candidates with Luke Brooks leading their off-contract list and the wooden spooners scrambling as the only winless side left after a month.
Like the Dolphins,the joint-venture has kept cash aside and talked long and often about signing genuine star players. Wayne Bennett is willing to have a conversation,but as yet hasn’t spoken to Wighton or his management.
Uncertainty at the Dragons around coach Anthony Griffin leaves all wildcards on the table,though club sources were backing emerging local talent over an import of Wighton’s stature at first contact.
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Canberra,meanwhile,have long had Wighton in their future plans. With 224 games at the age of 30,it’s hard to picture him in any other colours.
Raiders sources insist there is no Adam Reynolds-South Sydney type situation afoot,and there are few salary cap pressures on the club,or concerns about their five-eighth’s long-term fitness.
“There’s no question of coming back with an offer from us,” Furner said when asked if the club had last rights in Wighton’s negotiations.
The question is,will a rival blow them out of the water?