Canberra playmaker Jack Wighton has retired from representative football in what NSW advisor Greg Alexander has described as "a blow" ahead of this year's State of Origin series.
Alexander, who has communicated with Wighton via text, said NSW coach Brad Fittler spoke on Sunday to the 30-year-old, who said he was stepping down to "focus on club and family".
Wighton has played seven Tests for Australia and 10 Origin games for NSW in multiple positions.
"He has been a big part of the NSW side for the last four years so it is a blow. Jack is a great Origin player," Alexander said.
Jack Wighton retires from representative footy in 'blow' to NSW's State of Origin hopes
Wighton waves goodbye to Origin
NSW's loss will be the Canberra Raiders' gain, with Jack Wighton telling Blues coach Brad Fittler he's "finished with rep footy".
Wighton wants to focus on family and the Green Machine, having spoken to Fittler on Sunday.
He can't keep out of the headlines at the moment, having also opted to test the market for the first time in his career since joining the Raiders as a junior.
'I'll do my best to keep him out of it': Kris vows Savage battle for No.1 jersey
They might be mates, but if Xavier Savage thinks Sebastian Kris is simply going to hand over the Canberra Raiders' No.1 jersey he's got another thing coming.
And while he's at it, Kris wants to give Raiders coach Ricky Stuart as many selection headaches as he can.
From the team's perspective, Ricky headaches are a good thing.
