RUGBY LEAGUE
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THE Canberra Raiders, and rugby league fans city-wide, will be sweating on the fitness of Orange product Jack Wighton this week after he copped a head knock in his Indigenous All Stars side’s loss to the World All Stars on Saturday night.
Wighton was expected to make his return to Wade Park this weekend in the Raiders’ trial against the Newcastle Knights, but there is now plenty of doubt surrounding whether he will play after being led from Suncorp Stadium.
In the process of being held up over the line late in the Indigenous All Stars’ 12-8 loss to the World All Stars Wighton was left stunned thanks to the heavy contact from Jordan Kahu’s covering tackle.
He was immediately taken from the field by trainers and didn’t return, although he was spotted post-match looking substantially healthier.
With such a heavy focus on concussions in the game and the well-being of players after head knocks, the Raiders and the people of Orange will be waiting for updates on Wighton’s recovery with bated breath.
There is no doubting how badly the CYMS junior wants to play in this weekend’s though, in fact he said the entire Raiders squad is champing at the bit to play in the colour city.
“Mate, I’m pumped,” Wighton said on returning to Wade Park, prior to Saturday night’s All Stars match.
“The whole team is actually, we all love getting out and playing in these country games.
“I’ve got no doubt Orange will turn it on for us too. It’ll be good for the side as well.
“We’ve got a lot of new guys coming into the side this year, so it’s a good chance for us to get some more game time, match fitness and keep working on all those new combinations.”
Tickets for this weekend’s trial clash at Wade Park are still available at the Civic Centre box office or online through Ticketek.