When Joe Tapine signed a four-year extension with the Canberra Raiders in September, he probably thought Jack Wighton would be coming along for the ride.
That dream dramatically ended last week when the Raiders learned Wighton would be taking his talents to Redfern instead of re-signing with the Green Machine on what was - like Tapine's case - probably his last NRL deal.
While Tapine was disappointed Wighton wouldn't be with the Raiders beyond this season, he remained supportive of his teammate, whom he regards "a close mate" above all.