Orange's Jack Wighton insists he'll have to live with his call to flick a pass which sent man-of-the-match Dane Gagai away for Queensland's decisive try in Wednesday's State of Origin opener, but has pleaded with NSW selectors to give him a shot at redemption.
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After being thrust into the fray when five-eighth Cody Walker was sensationally hooked Wighton was largely strong in his 25-minute stint on debut, but the Raiders gun couldn't shake his regret after skipping into space and almost putting Josh Addo-Carr over untouched.
Almost being the key word, as Gagai plucked the would-be try assist out of the air, raced 95 metres to score and then crossed again just minutes later to all but seal the Maroons' 18-14, game one victory at Suncorp Stadium.
It hurts obviously but it's all about bouncing back ... I just want to try and make things better and go again (for NSW).
- NSW utility Jack Wighton
"It hurts obviously but it's all about bouncing back ... I just want to try and make things better and go again (for NSW)," Wighton told AAP.
He's hoping to get that opportunity when NSW cross the Nullabor for the 2019 series' second game at Perth Stadium on June 23, and Blues coach Brad Fittler did say he's confident his entire side can return to form at the NRL level between now and then.
"I just have to see what happens. We didn't get the result so anything can happen," he said.
"If I had my chance again I would have held on to it but I just wanted to make the play, but that's the way it goes.
"I learned a hard lesson. It just happened to be on the biggest stage."
Wighton was still proud of how far he's come after earning the NSW nod, considering his tumultuous 2018 season, relishing the chance to play on that grand stage.
"It was amazing taking the park," Wighton told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"It was the best feeling of my life going out there. Unfortunately we didn't get the result.
"It was different [sitting on the bench]. You've just got to try to manage your energy systems and stay calm. When they give you the word you just need the trigger and go for it.
"[But] it was great. It was everything I expected and more. There's such a great bunch of fellas around me. Freddy and the staff are amazing. It's just been a really good experience for me."
- With Australian Associated Press and Sydney Morning Herald
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