Raiders star Jack Wighton has been brought to tears when discussing his move to the Rabbitohs after playing a key role in a thrilling golden point win over the Dolphins.
Wighton scored in the fifth minute as the Raiders held off a spirited second-half showing from the NRL newbies to run out 31-30 winners after Jamal Fogarty drilled the first game-winning field goal of his career in additional time.
The 30-year-old is poised to join South Sydney on a four-year deal reportedly worth $800,000 per year, but the decision did not sit well with everyone, as the Indigenous star revealed he’d been peppered by racist abuse on social media.
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The trying week visibly took a toll on Wighton, who broke down into tears when discussing the move away from the only NRL club he has ever known.
“It’s huge, it’s been a very tough week, couple of massive decisions so to come do this with the brothers, it was big,” he told Fox League.
“(They’re) good boys, love them all.
“Yeah that’s what it’s all about, 14 years (here), finish the year strong, make memories and enjoy it.”
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Jarrod Croker, Jordan Rapana, Sebastian Kris and Jamal Fogarty were the other Raiders to cross over.
After conceding the first three tries of the afternoon, Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins threatened a comeback for the ages for the second match in a row.
Connelly Lemuelu was outstanding for the Dolphins, finishing with a double, while Jesse Bromwich, Euan Aitken and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also crossed over for tries.
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