Jack Wighton has backed the next generation of NSW Blues to usher in a new era of success after confirming he remains retired from representative football.
The South Sydney star had been the centre of significant speculation over his State of Origin future less than a year after retiring from the Blues set up.
Wighton conceded he considered a NSW comeback but ultimately decided it was time for fresh blood as the side looks to claim its first series since 2021.
"There's still a lot of great players [in NSW]," Wighton said. "There's a lot of young, fresh kids. I've done my time, I'm only getting older and older.
"These young kids are coming through, getting stronger, fitter and faster. Fly them in there and let them have a go."
Wighton has had numerous conversations with new Blues coach Michael Maguire about his Origin future throughout the first few months of the year.
Maguire was an assistant at the Raiders last year, where he formed a close bond with Wighton before his off-season move to the Rabbitohs.
The versatile playmaker emerged as a potential Origin wildcard for NSW amid an injury crisis, with Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic likely to miss the entire series after picking up hamstring injuries last weekend.
Centre stage: Wighton enjoying growing bond with Staggs
Mitchell Moses is yet to return from a foot injury while Nicho Hynes missed last weekend's match with a calf injury.
Wighton can play in the halves or the centres and has been utilised as a bench utility in the past.
The 31-year-old continues to produce exceptional performances for Souths despite their struggles on the field.
The Rabbitohs currently sit last on the NRL ladder with just one victory and are battling a torrid injury toll.
Match: Raiders v Bulldogs
Round 11 -
home Team
Raiders
6th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
11th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wighton said it was those struggles that made the decision not to play Origin an easy one, with helping South Sydney rebuild his primary focus.
"I've been in chats with Madge but I'm trying to keep my body fit here," he said. "We're in a different slump to when me and Madge started having those conversations earlier in the year.
"Things were a little bit different, now I just want to give my full attention to Souths, try and repay them for bringing me here. We've just got to try and get some wins, if I can keep my body a little bit fresher [by not] playing in the representative arena, then I'll have a better chance of doing that."
One of the factors in Wighton's decision to join the Rabbitohs was the opportunity to play with his close friend Latrell Mitchell.
The Souths fullback has endured his own struggles to start the season and made his return from a three-week suspension in Saturday's loss to the Dragons.
Like Wighton, Mitchell is reportedly considering sitting out Origin this year to focus on his club duties.
Wighton was unable to provide any insight into the fullback's status but backed him to deliver if he does feature throughout the series.
"That's a 'Trell question," Wighton said.
"He's 100% a big-game player, one of the best to do it, but what they're doing, I've got no idea."
