NSW has dealt a massive blow with Jack Wighton dismissing Origin with Covid opening the door for Latrell Mitchell to receive a shock call-up for the must-see match in Perth.
Wighton tested positive for Covid and will miss the Raiders’ showdown with the Knights and, most importantly, Origin II for NSW.
“Raiders’ fifth-eighth Jack Wighton has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Knights due to COVID protocols,” the Raiders said in a statement.
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“Wighton will follow the protocols back to the COVID game once his isolation is completed next week.”
Wighton’s unavailability will only increase speculation that Fittler will send an SOS to Latrell Mitchell despite his lengthy dismissal due to injury and Covid himself.
Wighton was the Blues’ best player in Origin I after Fittler’s decision to take him out of position was widely criticized.
His teammate Kotoni Staggs was injured in his debut with Origin, while bench utility Stephen Crichton struggled after replacing the Broncos star.
Mitchell was ruled out of round 15 with South Sydney saying it would be unfair to choose him after not playing since April 9th.
However, Blues assistant Greg Alexander left the door open saying it would be up to Fittler to call Mitchell to assess his availability.
However, Michael Ennis would go with the fifth eighth of the Bulldogs and the 2021 Dally M Center to Matt Burton.
“It’s a huge blow,” Ennis said.
Jack Wighton will miss Origin II due to Covid. Source: Getty Images
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“He was certainly one of the best in NSW. He scored the first try for them, but only his ability to stand his ground and the aggressiveness and intent he showed for NSW.
“They have a lot of options. They have a lot of guys who can fill those places. But it will take a lot of effort to replace what Jack produced.
“I like the look of Matt Burton. He has had combinations with Jarome Luai and Brian To’o on this left side.
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“You have Kotoni Staggs, who is likely to be sidelined as he left the first game with a sore shoulder.
“It looked like Stephen Crichton might have taken that center-right position. Staggs may have another chance.
“Crichton can play left or right. The other is Siosifa Talakai, who has been in devastating form for the Cronulla Sharks.
“But I think Matt Burton may be the only one.”