The talented back has been named in the Raiders squad to take on perennial powerhouse the Melbourne Storm in a trial match at Albury’s Lavington Sports Ground.

Wighton spent the majority of 2011 guiding the Raiders’ Toyota Cup side around the park from halfback, his skills and leadership being rewarded when he was named as captain of NSW’s under 18s side to play against Queensland.

But a brief foray into the centres last season, which reaped four tries against the Titans’ Toyota Cup side, must have caught first grade coach David Furner’s eye.

And now an injury to regular centre Jarrod Croker and Furner’s decision to switch Joel Thompson to the second row has opened the door for Wighton to make his mark.

The game will be played over four 20-minute quarters to assist players in dealing with the heat and pre-season fatigue, and word from the Raiders’ camp is that Wighton has been told by Furner to be prepared for at least an hour of game time, playing on the left side.

Thompson, whose dynamic play in the centres for the past two seasons has left some questioning the wisdom of repositioning him, has no doubts that Wighton is equipped to more than fill the hole.

“There’s definitely some great talent coming through in the centres at the Raiders. Jack Wighton is coming through and I see him as a star of the future. We’ve got big hopes for Jacko,” Thompson said .

Josh Dugan is also named in the Raiders’ 30-man squad for the trip to Albury.

Dugan’s NRL future has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent months, with several clubs, most notably the Bulldogs, reported to have an interest in the NSW Origin fullback’s future.

Furner, while eager to retain the superstar’s services, believes Wighton and others give the Raiders the depth among their juniors to cover the potential loss of the custodian.

“We’ve got room [for Dugan in the salary cap], but if it doesn’t happen we’ll push through the kids like Sami Sauiluma, Jack Wighton and Haydon Hodge,’’ Furner said.

The Raiders kick off their 2012 NRL season against the Storm at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, March 3.