The NRL's relocation to Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 was a tumultuous time for the entire sport but it also helped sow the seeds for South Sydney's shock bid to sign Canberra star Jack Wighton.
The Rabbitohs came from nowhere earlier this week to hit the front in the race to sign the New South Wales and Australian representative with Wighton's relationship with close mate Latrell Mitchell the driving force behind the unexpected development.
But Wighton's links with South Sydney go deeper than his friendship with Mitchell – they stretch all the way back to NRL's wholesale COVID relocation two years ago.
"When we were in lockdown we hung out with the Raiders boys a...
The lockdown link that could help deliver Jack Wighton to South Sydney
Burgess backs Wighton for Rabbitohs move.
Wighton would suit Souths to a tee: Tom Burgess
South Sydney prop Tom Burgess claims Jack Wighton will be a perfect fit at the Rabbitohs, as the Canberra star decides on his future.
Wighton is due to meet with Souths officials on Friday after flying to Sydney to meet them.
The talks follow Wighton's discussion with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett on Thursday, with the Canberra five-eighth using the Raiders' bye this week to weigh up his future.‘He’d suit our club’: Burgess backs Souths’ Wighton play ahead of crunch meeting
Tom Burgess says Jack Wighton would suit the Rabbitohs to a tee after getting to know the Raiders five-eighth while the clubs were locked down in Queensland hubs during the 2021 Covid-affected season.
Wighton’s future is one of the hottest topics in rugby league right now with the Raiders and Dolphins seemingly locked in a bidding war, only for Souths to emerge as the frontrunners to secure his services for next year.
