AFTER a bumper season for the Canberra Raiders, Orange’s Jack Wighton received one of the club’s highest honours in taking home Ricky Stuart’s Coach’s Award for 2015, at the Meninga Medal Night during the week.

The award was Wighton’s first major one since winning the Raiders’ National Youth Competition (Holden Cup) Player of the Year in 2011, and came on the back of his first full year in the fullback role after shifting there late in 2014.

Wighton is the first back to win the award since 2012, when then-halfback Josh McCrone took it home, and said winning it is made extra special because it came from Stuart, who has acted as a mentor to Wighton and shown unwavering faith in him as a custodian.

“It means a lot and I really appreciate it,” Wighton told Raiders TV after the presentation.

“It could’ve gone to anyone and I’m very thankful. All of the coaches have done a great job this year ... [Canberra] has turned into a real club.”

Wighton said in a season where he scored seven tries and ran for just under 3000 metres - sixth best on the fullbacks list, and 19th overall - his highlight was just being able to solidify his position in the No.1 jersey.

Since his debut in 2012, Wighton has played every position in Canberra’s backline except halfback, and confirmed his aspirations of continuing to play fullback while the exciting young Canberra roster develops.

“Definitely just staying in one spot and not having to move around all year (was the highlight),” he explained.

“I’m starting to pick up the little things and I’d like to stay there over the years.”

A surge of late-season form during the regular season rounds - Canberra missed the NRL finals - almost got Wighton over the line in the Meninga Medal itself as well, which is awarded to the side’s best and fairest, but he was pipped by Sia Soliola.

Wighton polled 21 votes in the 3-2-1 system, finishing just three votes shy of Soliola, a back-rower on 24 with hooker Josh Hodgson (15) and five-eighth Blake Austin (13) finishing third and fourth respectively.