Wighton auditioning for 2015 fullback spot

Canberra young gun Jack Wighton says he’ll use this season’s final two NRL round games as an audition for his side’s vacant fullback role in 2015.

Wighton played his first NRL game in the No.1 jersey last week in the Raiders’ 22-12 win over Cronulla, impressing in the position with 181 metres and eight tackle breaks.

Many pundits tip big things for the 21-year-old, who was called up to train with the NSW squad before Origin II, however he has yet to settle into a permanent position within the Raiders camp.

Coach Ricky Stuart experimented with Wighton at five-eighth at the start of the season, before shifting him to centre, and now to fullback.

While Wighton says centre is still his preferred position, he admits that with a bit more time at the back, the fullback role could become his number one choice.

“If I could learn the role of fullback a bit better then that’s always an option for the future,” he said.

“There’s no reason why I couldn’t stay there in the future.

“But wherever I can fit into the team best, be that centre or fullback – I’d love to play.”

He said he would treat this Saturday’s match against Wests Tigers, and then the final round against Parramatta, as an audition for the role next year – which will be up for grabs after Anthony Milford leaves for Brisbane.

“Yeah definitely. It’s a little bit of a trial in another position, which can always lead to a spot next year there,” he said.

“I’ve played every position in the backline now and I’m still trying to find my spot I guess.

“I wouldn’t mind settling into a position just so I can try and learn my role and get better at it.”

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