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NFL: player props on betchaThe 'underwhelming' veteran that must lift for South Sydney in 2026
Charles Goodsir • January 19th, 2026 12:48 pm
SEN’s Michael Carayannis has called on veteran Jack Wighton to lift for South Sydney in 2026 following a number of underwhelming seasons at the Rabbitohs.
Wighton played 242 games across 12 seasons for the Canberra Raiders where he won the Dally M Medal in 2020 and the Clive Churchill medal in a losing effort in 2019.
Wighton joined South Sydney in 2024 with much fanfare and on a hefty contract but has failed to live up to expectations. Carayannis believes time is running out for the 32-year-old to prove his worth at the Bunnies.
“He’s been totally underwhelming,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170.
“Wighton came to the club on big money and he was supposed to be the tipping point for them.
“He was supposed to get them that Premiership during their premiership window. He was supposed to be that injection.
“The reason why the Rabbitohs haven’t played finals (the last two seasons) isn’t because of Jack Wighton.
“The Rabbitohs haven’t got bang for their buck though and there’s no doubt about that. He’s played at centre, he’s on really good money and he hasn’t had the same impact on games that he had at Canberra.”
In his two seasons at South Sydney, Wighton has managed just 36 games due to injury and suspension.
However, Carayannis is adamant that there is too much talent on South Sydney’s roster for them to miss out on finals for a fourth consecutive season.
“I’ve got them finishing in eighth,” Carayannis added.
“I’ll preface that by saying (their players) need to play.
“If they have the same injury run that they did last season, they’ll finish towards the bottom of the ladder again
“Look at the side. You have Jye Gray, Cody Walker, Cam Murray, Campbell Graham and David Fifita. There is strike power there.
“Add Tevita Tatola, Jai Arrow, Keaon Koloamatangi and Brandon Smith who we haven’t seen the best of.
“These are big name players. It’s a strong 15 players and the issue is that their depth drops off significantly.
“For mine, they do play finals footy.”
South Sydney begin their 2026 campaign with a trip to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to take on the Dolphins on March 8.
