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Re: Jack Wighton set for

Posted: January 27, 2019, 9:24 pm
by edwahu
Ruben Daley wrote: January 27, 2019, 7:33 pm
edwahu wrote: January 25, 2019, 2:14 pm
gergreg wrote: January 25, 2019, 12:47 pm The Wighton/Abbey/Williams discussion has been done to death. My main hope is that Abbey has thickened up a little or the club has opened up the purse strings and bought him a smaller jersey. He deadset looked like a gangly 15 y/o wearing some oversized pyjamas last year.

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Can anyone remember a player who would be good for us if they bulked up ever actually bulking up, let alone getting better? There must be two or three this line gets trotted out for every year but I can't remember any who actually managed to do it.
I remember Rapa saying he put on 4kg one offseason. Pretty sure it was prior to 2016.

At his age and with his frame, Abbey could do that too.
Sure, but Rapana was already good and no one raised that he needed to add any. It gets said about a lot of players who aren't good and even if it does happen I don't think it ever ends up overcoming that.

Maybe Troy Thompson or Furner? Steve Price is one I would think it worked for in the wider league.

Re: Jack Wighton set for

Posted: January 27, 2019, 10:00 pm
by Ruben Daley
edwahu wrote: January 27, 2019, 9:24 pm
Ruben Daley wrote: January 27, 2019, 7:33 pm
edwahu wrote: January 25, 2019, 2:14 pm
gergreg wrote: January 25, 2019, 12:47 pm The Wighton/Abbey/Williams discussion has been done to death. My main hope is that Abbey has thickened up a little or the club has opened up the purse strings and bought him a smaller jersey. He deadset looked like a gangly 15 y/o wearing some oversized pyjamas last year.

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Can anyone remember a player who would be good for us if they bulked up ever actually bulking up, let alone getting better? There must be two or three this line gets trotted out for every year but I can't remember any who actually managed to do it.
I remember Rapa saying he put on 4kg one offseason. Pretty sure it was prior to 2016.

At his age and with his frame, Abbey could do that too.
Sure, but Rapana was already good and no one raised that he needed to add any. It gets said about a lot of players who aren't good and even if it does happen I don't think it ever ends up overcoming that.

Maybe Troy Thompson or Furner? Steve Price is one I would think it worked for in the wider league.
Yeah, true. I was thinking more about it being possible for Abbey to do and how getting up to the 93-94kg mark puts him about the same as Jack. He wouldn’t be mandhandled so easily at that size.

I agree that no one has ever got to first grade then bulked up and transformed from ordinary to awesome. I actually reckon there’s a tipping point where too much bulk becomes a negative. Dugan was heaps better when he was wiry-strong before he got big. Admittedly, the mental side was probably more a factor with him.

I just think Abbey isn’t quite the write-off he’s been made out to be. He had a few bad handling errors but so did Rapa initially, and he was outmuscled a fair bit, hence why putting on a few kilos might help. I’m not expecting much but I think it’s possible he could be solid this season.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: January 30, 2019, 8:31 am
by SeeBee101
Anyone heard that Simonsson might get first crack at FB? The rumour came from FB but from what i've seen of him, I wouldn't mind if he gets a go in the trials.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: January 30, 2019, 8:51 am
by -PJ-
Mark Zuckerberg hasn't heard of him..

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: January 30, 2019, 9:05 am
by greeneyed
SeeBee101 wrote: January 30, 2019, 8:31 am Anyone heard that Simonsson might get first crack at FB? The rumour came from FB but from what i've seen of him, I wouldn't mind if he gets a go in the trials.
I think it is more likely... if he gets promoted to the top 30... that he'd be winger. But I think you'll find players are training in multiple positions, and I've no doubt Simonsson has had a run at fullback at training. And hopefully, we fill at least one remaining top 30 spot with a player like a Dylan Edwards.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: January 30, 2019, 10:14 am
by SeeBee101
I hope so, getting very worried that we are done with recruitment. Surely we still need another backup winger and a spine player (5/8 or FB)....

What's the bet we run with Abbey at FB :-S

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: January 30, 2019, 10:26 am
by edwahu
The backup winger has to happen, otherwise we are just throwing away free money from Rapana's exemption. Anything else is very long odds in my opinion.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 7, 2019, 4:50 pm
by Goldcoast Raider
Watching raiders vs Titans , 2nd game of last year, jacky boi just smashed a 2nd rower like it was nothing and got up with a massive smile on his face, so I’m starting to come around with him playing in the front line if it a defensive strategy

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:03 am
by LimeGreenMachine
‘I’ll do the running’: Wighton reveals Sticky’s halves plans

Jack Wighton has confirmed he’ll be partnering Aidan Sezer in the halves for the Green Machine in 2019.

“I think when I got chucked in there [at five eighth] all those years ago, I wasn’t ready,” he told said. “I’ve been at the back [since then] and I’m an older footy head, I’ve been around a little bit longer, so I think it just helps me slow the game down a little bit more and I should be able to take the challenge on.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... a37489c55e

VIDEO: Wighton set for switch to six

Long-term Canberra Raiders fullback Jack Wighton talks about the prospect of playing alongside Aidan Sezer in the halves for 2019.

Video: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/02/11/wig ... ch-to-six/

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:25 am
by -TW-
Gives Sezer the keys

This will be do or die for him

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:28 am
by Brew
I’m stocking up on Popcorn for this train wreck


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Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:35 am
by T_R
This is our best option.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:48 am
by julian87
For it to work I think we need to see Whitehead play that link man role so Wighton doesn’t get hemmed in

Re: Jack Wighton set for

Posted: February 11, 2019, 1:31 pm
by Boomercm
gangrenous wrote: January 24, 2019, 6:51 am I don’t know that Abbey at 1 beats Sam at 7 defensively Image
He won't unless he has added 7-10kg, and built on his aerobic fitness. Very difficult to manage both in one offseason.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 1:39 pm
by w3b3d1g1
It will all be meaningless unless we find him a proper half back. Sezer is an overrated joke and Williams clearly lacks faith of many of the vocal fans. I would feel Wighton Williams or Hingano is a premiership winning combination if the team fires and our world class forwards pave the way. With Sezer though, top8 would be a major achievement.

Re: Jack Wighton set for "shock" switch in Raiders shake-up

Posted: February 11, 2019, 1:57 pm
by w3b3d1g1
SeeBee101 wrote: January 30, 2019, 10:14 am I hope so, getting very worried that we are done with recruitment. Surely we still need another backup winger and a spine player (5/8 or FB)....

What's the bet we run with Abbey at FB :-S
Charnze is fullback. Pretty sure this has been confirmed and part the reason why he came over. I give Sezer 4 games or he has to go. Williams is a far better organiser and Hingano is still untested.

Re: Jack Wighton set for

Posted: February 11, 2019, 1:58 pm
by w3b3d1g1
-TW- wrote: February 11, 2019, 8:25 am Gives Sezer the keys

This will be do or die for him
How many rounds before we see him in Mounties you reckon?

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 2:17 pm
by greeneyed
New Canberra Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton focussing on kicking

Standing at 189 centimetres, slotting back into the defensive line has been pretty easy for Jack Wighton, but it's been his kicking game that's been his major focus in returning to the Canberra Raiders' five-eighth role.

"That's been one of my main focuses is my kick. If I can build a confident game around my kick then everything else will be fine off the back of that," he said. "Defence hasn't been too much of a problem. It's actually been quite fun being back in the line so looking forward to it."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/ ... 50wyo.html

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 2:30 pm
by gerg
It seems everything I thought Ricky shouldn't actually do with Wighton is indeed what he is doing. Imagine my **** surprise.

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Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 3:45 pm
by Woodgers
I'm all for it. I've said it before, I think we're giving ourselves the best chance to win games with this move to strengthen the defensive line. And I think his running game is going to be much stronger than Austin's so that's another tick for me.

I'm not sure why people are fussed about the Sezer commentary, no side with Hodgson at 9 is going to lean heavily on the halves to organise and create the play. He just has to do his job defensively and get early ball to the edges.

It can't be a bad thing that Jack is working on his kicking, it's another option and there is no downside to him being in the mix there.

I just want the footy to start now, it's all just talk and speculation now on how we'll fare.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 3:51 pm
by Botman
Excited for

*checks notes*

w3b3d1g1‘s first season. He/she is coming in HOT!

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 3:56 pm
by Matt
Surely he is still a 3rd choice kicker. Sezer 1, Hodgo 2.
Its a skill he needs to improve given his position.
TBH, not much to see here.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 3:57 pm
by Sid
Can sort of see Wighton having a similar kicking game to Austin, used for the big kicks and mid field bombs but not so much the short grubbers in goals.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 3:59 pm
by gerg
Woodgers wrote:I'm all for it. I've said it before, I think we're giving ourselves the best chance to win games with this move to strengthen the defensive line. And I think his running game is going to be much stronger than Austin's so that's another tick for me.

I'm not sure why people are fussed about the Sezer commentary, no side with Hodgson at 9 is going to lean heavily on the halves to organise and create the play. He just has to do his job defensively and get early ball to the edges.

It can't be a bad thing that Jack is working on his kicking, it's another option and there is no downside to him being in the mix there.

I just want the footy to start now, it's all just talk and speculation now on how we'll fare.
We saw first-hand what expanding Austin's role in the side did to his game over the past 2 seasons. That may not be the sole reason for the drop in form, we'll probably never know, but it cannot be coincidental that the very season after they came out and said that Austin was working a lot on his kicking and ball play he started stinking it up.

Even more frustrating, for me at least, when it is obvious and has been demonstrated that Sezer is a far better kicker; and will be so when compared to Wighton. Give Sezer the bloody reins to be the lead half for God's sake. If he cannot perform that role, get rid of him, but at least give him a proper go at it - instead of trying to convert a wing/centre who was then converted into a fullback and now into a 5/8.

Let me just clarify that I don't have a problem with Wighton improving his kicking. I want him to be the second choice kicker though. Unless hoofing it out from our own 20 metre line Sezer should be kicking. The only other caveat being the occasional attacking kick from Hodgo. Too many times over the past 2 years Austin did the kicking when Sezer was also in a position to take the kick.

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Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 4:02 pm
by Green eyed Mick
Austin took the drop outs and despite being rubbish at it, took the kick offs as well. So there is a hole to fill in those roles.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 4:07 pm
by Woodgers
I think Wighton will be the 3rd choice kicker behind Sezer and Hodgson. I think Hodgson will be more likely to look for Sezer given the choice, i'm not sure it is fair to lay on Ricky the fact that Blake Austin clearly overestimated his abilities and wanted to be the king pin of the whole side when he was never going to be. I know i'm playing with fire with this prediction but I reckon Ricky will keep it pretty simple for Jack :D .

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 4:48 pm
by Brew
Can’t wait for Ricky to trot out the old line that Jack is developing into that role and we need to be patient to buy him some time.



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Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 5:34 pm
by buram
I love Jack at 5/8!!

We have been consistently one of the best attacking team's in the comp the last few years.

Jack adds starch to our defense in a position that was hurting us badly, I am looking forward to seeing him smash people and save a bucket load of tries.

Well done Sticky!!

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 7:58 pm
by RedRaider
Brew wrote: February 11, 2019, 4:48 pm Can’t wait for Ricky to trot out the old line that Jack is developing into that role and we need to be patient to buy him some time.



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Sticky would not make necessary changes last year with sluggish props. If he does go down this path with Jack he will hold to it regardless of results. Whatever happens he knows he has a contract next year as he has emphasized in the off season.

I remember him saying Jack was one of the best FBs in the game and now he is a 5/8. Time will tell and it leaves the FB position wide open.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 8:09 pm
by Raiders Lim!
I’d be more than fine with this if Rapana was fit. Last year it was Hodgo, Crokes the year before - It just goes to show you there is a huge element of luck that goes into building momentum and piecing together a season.

Can the season just start already?!?!?


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Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 9:37 pm
by Sid
Only just dawned on me that both Sezer and Wighton are left handed/footed so I guess from a kicking point of view it doesn’t matter which side each are predominantly on, so I’m thinking Wighton will mostly be on the left hand side (often chiming in on the right as 2nd receiver on attacking plays too)

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 9:49 pm
by afgtnk
The worst halves combination in the comp just got worse

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 9:57 pm
by Lui_Bon
Sid wrote: February 11, 2019, 9:37 pm Only just dawned on me that both Sezer and Wighton are left handed/footed so I guess from a kicking point of view it doesn’t matter which side each are predominantly on, so I’m thinking Wighton will mostly be on the left hand side (often chiming in on the right as 2nd receiver on attacking plays too)
I've always wondered about this, because I've never seen why it would matter what foot you kicked off - if Wighton is left footed, he can play on the right and the natural curl will be off towards the right wing. Except that Hodgson as a right footer clearly spears it off the laces so it also curls towards the right wing.

Someone with a bigger brain might correct me but it isn't necessarily what foot you kick it with, but what part of the foot you kick it with and what kick you use that determines where the ball goes.

Which leads me to suggest that Sezer will stay on the left and Jack will just be Austin on the right. With a better tackle...

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 10:22 pm
by Rickmando
Lui_Bon wrote: February 11, 2019, 9:57 pm
Sid wrote: February 11, 2019, 9:37 pm Only just dawned on me that both Sezer and Wighton are left handed/footed so I guess from a kicking point of view it doesn’t matter which side each are predominantly on, so I’m thinking Wighton will mostly be on the left hand side (often chiming in on the right as 2nd receiver on attacking plays too)
I've always wondered about this, because I've never seen why it would matter what foot you kicked off - if Wighton is left footed, he can play on the right and the natural curl will be off towards the right wing. Except that Hodgson as a right footer clearly spears it off the laces so it also curls towards the right wing.

Someone with a bigger brain might correct me but it isn't necessarily what foot you kick it with, but what part of the foot you kick it with and what kick you use that determines where the ball goes.

Which leads me to suggest that Sezer will stay on the left and Jack will just be Austin on the right. With a better tackle...
There’s a reason why teams kick to the same touchline as the side of the ruck they take the pass on - angles, and power. Kicking across your body or back across the ruck loses you distance, and increases chances of a charge down. And the risk of kicking with the “wrong” foot (ie. sezer standing on the right side of the ruck and kicking left footed towards the right touchline) increases your chances of our on the full if you get it a bit off the instep.

If the raiders had any football brains and planned their sets coming out of their own end (you know, just like how we are so great at setting up for field goals), they would ideally finish their 5th tackle on the right side of the field for a long kick off the left side of the ruck.

But in terms of playmaking - i would be extremely surprised if Jack isn’t on the left. He’s already playing out of position, we’ve seen he’s not anywhere near as comfortable chiming into backline moves and setting up his outside teammates in the right.

Re: Jack Wighton confirms switch to five eighth

Posted: February 11, 2019, 10:44 pm
by RedRaider
I'm struggling to think of the halves who have improved under Sticky. Jack could be either a 'first' or another experiment gone wrong.
First on my list for team improvement is our defence. The team is more mobile. Will that translate into an improved team defensive performance. We can only hope so. Every team defensive line gets broken. It then gets down to turn and chase, scramble defence and a FB who can make one on one tackles.

I know Abbey based on 2018 form is not the answer. I hope Charnze can do it. Or if defence is the focus put Cotric at FB and go all out defensive.