Tears flow as Stuart reflects on Wighton departure

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart spoke through tears as he paid tribute to departing five-eighth Jack Wighton in the aftermath of Saturday's victory over the Dolphins. 

It was confirmed in the lead up to Round 9 that after 12 seasons and over 200 games with the Raiders, Wighton would depart the club at the end of 2023 to take up a four-year deal with the Rabbitohs. 

Speaking to media following his side's 31-30 golden point win, Stuart, who had to pause on several occasions to compose himself, said reaction to Wighton's departure this week was evidence of how much he means to the club. 

We all love him, if we weren't hurt by him going, [it means] we don't care about him, we don't care about the club.

Ricky Stuart

"Jack is our mate, we've had a long association with him, he's been put in a difficult position and had to make a decision. 

"I am OK with the decision... he's been here a long time, he wants a bit of a change and I get that. 

"Nobody on the outside understands the pressure that Jack has had on him. 

"I couldn't be prouder of my playing group and Jack."

Earlier Wighton had played a key role in the Green Machine picking up their fourth win of the season, scoring Canberra's second try, setting up two line breaks and running for 128 metres at McDonalds Park in Wagga Wagga. 

Post-match the 2020 Dally M Medal winner broke down when asked what would be important to him for the remainder of the season. 

[Memories] that's what it's all about. Fourteen years [at the club], finish here strong, make memories and enjoy it," Wighton told Fox Sports. 

It's been a very tough week... coming to this [game] with the brothers was big.

Jack Wighton

"They're good boys, I love them all."

Stuart added that while he was never in doubt that Wighton would put the issue aside and perform well, he praised the role of his leaders in assuring the playing group were focused for the clash against the Dolphins.  

"It's been a week when I needed the boys, especially the senior players, Elliott [Whitehead] and [Jarrod Croker]," Stuart said. 

"The way they captained this week has been really, really beneficial to me."