Wighton out of contention for Origin II with COVID-19

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues centre Jack Wighton is out of contention for Game Two of the Ampol State of Origin series after contracting COVID-19.

Canberra Raiders confirmed tonight their star five-eighth had COVID-19 and was unavailable for Sunday’s match against the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium. He will now have to follow return to play protocols once his isolation is completed next week.

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler will name his squad on Sunday 19 June for Game Two at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday 26 June.

Wighton was a standout at left centre for the Blues in Game One after scoring the opening try, running for 184 metres, making two line breaks and four tackle busts.

Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs and Penrith’s Stephen Crichton are obvious replacements after also playing in Game One while Canterbury-Bankstown’s Matt Burton and Cronulla-Sutherland’s Siosifa Talakai have been reported as other options.