Demetriou makes a significant inference about Wighton’s role at the Rabbitohs
Coach Jason Demetriou of the South Sydney Rabbitohs appears to have implied that new player Jack Wighton will play in the centers or on the edge for the team in 2024.
Given that the Rabbitohs already had a top-heavy wage cap and Cody Walker on staff, Wighton’s hiring in the midst of the season has drawn criticism.
However, in the interim, the versatile five-eighth, who has represented both Australia and New South Wales in the centers, will be serving in a new capacity at Redfern.
During a dismal 2023 season that saw the team fade out of first place after 11 rounds to finish outside the top eight and miss the finals, Demetriou revealed in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald this week that Wighton was going to bring physicality to South Sydney’s edges.
According to Demetriou, “Jack brings something we have probably lacked, and that is physicality on our edges and in our outside backs.”
“He’ll be a great support for Campbell Graham. I just love his competitive nature.
“He’s a guy who brings a world of experience at club level, rep level, and I know he’ll bring the best out of a lot of players at the club.”
Wighton finished the 2023 season – his last at the Raiders – playing a mix of positions away from the halves.
His age and potential lack of explosiveness on the edge has been raised as a concern by some fans as he prepares to take over a centre role, which is one of the toughest defensive positions on the field.
But there is little doubt the Rabbitohs need change.
2023 saw the club fail to defend with any effectiveness out wide, and apart from Campbell Graham’s and Alex Johnston, it could be argued the other two spots – one centre and one wing – on the edge of the park are up for grabs as Demetriou looks to slightly reshape his side for a possible finals tilt in 2024.