Jack Wighton: 2026 Year in Review
Jack Wighton’s 2026 campaign showcased his toughness and experience, with the veteran centre overcoming a mid-season broken arm to return and play an important role in South Sydney’s run home. Across 19 NRL appearances, Wighton scored four tries, reached 50 games for the Rabbitohs and finished the year lining up in the Club’s Elimination Final.
Wighton made his presence felt early in the season, crossing against the Wests Tigers in round three before adding another try against the Canberra Raiders in round six.
His campaign was interrupted in round nine against the Newcastle Knights when a broken arm required surgery, but Wighton worked his way back into the side in round 18 against the Penrith Panthers. He made an immediate impact on his return, running for 164 metres in a strong performance.
Three weeks later, Wighton was back among the tries against the Melbourne Storm in round 21, adding a line break and six tackle breaks. He continued his strong finish to the regular season with another try against the New Zealand Warriors in round 25.
Wighton’s trademark direct running remained a feature of his game throughout the year. He finished with 2,081 running metres at an average of 109 metres per game, while adding six try assists, three line breaks and 33 tackle breaks. His experience on the edge was also evident defensively, making 239 tackles across the campaign.
Round 23 provided one of the most significant moments of his season. During Indigenous Round against the Parramatta Eels at Allianz Stadium, the proud Wiradjuri man celebrated his 50th NRL appearance for South Sydney.
Wighton carried his strong finish into the Finals, starting at centre against the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium. He ran for 146 metres and set up a try in his 297th NRL appearance.
Now with 297 first-grade games and 91 tries across his decorated career, Wighton heads into 2027 on the doorstep of another significant achievement, sitting just three appearances away from the 300-game milestone.
