NSW State of Origin rookie Jack Wighton has set his sights on completing his rugby league redemption story with a Kangaroos jumper.
Wighton is one of possibly a dozen Blues contending for selection in Australia’s end-of-season Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.
Coach Mal Meninga will make at least one change from the 17 who defeated the Mate Ma’a last year after Valentine Holmes’ defection to the NFL.
Another four aren’t involved in this year’s Origin decider.
Luke Keary, Jordan McLean and Aaron Woods were unavailable due to injury, while centre Latrell Mitchell was axed from the Blues after game one.
That could open the door for Wighton, who was given a season-ending 10-game ban last year after pleading guilty to assault charges.
However the Canberra star has rebuilt his NRL career with a successful transition to five-eighth, culminating in a Blues debut.
And now he’s dreaming of pulling on a green-and-gold jumper, which would be a stunning turnaround after he feared wearing an orange jumpsuit.
“I’m a lot closer than sitting in court, that’s for sure,” Wighton told AAP.
“I think (playing Origin) is a really good step towards that. I’ve showed now that I can play a few positions, so it helps if they’re looking for a utility.
“I’d love to do it one day if I get the chance.”
With Queensland star Dane Gagai likely to hold down one wing spot, Blues flyers Blake Ferguson and Josh Addo-Carr could duke it out for Holmes’ spot.
It would also cap a stunning comeback for Ferguson, who was given a reprieve by coach Brad Fittler this year following his controversial drinking session in 2017.
Ferguson, who last played for the Kangaroos that year, refused to look beyond Wednesday’s decider against the Maroons at ANZ Stadium.
Asked if his Origin recall has stoked his desire to play for Australia again, Ferguson said: ‘Obviously it does.
“But the thing I’ve realised this year is to focus on what’s happening next and what’s important now, instead of what might happen down the line.”
Addo-Carr is another who could come into calculation.
“It’s something NRL every player and little kid wants to do – play for their country and represent their country in the best way possible. But it’s so far away,” he said.
“Man, playing with the best players in the world? It’s pretty crazy. Growing up, I wasn’t even meant to play first grade but I’ve got that hunger to realise my dreams and I’m not looking back.”
Meninga will likely remain loyal to his incumbents but the Origin decider will be a factor for selection at year’s end.
As they have in recent years, he and fellow selectors Laurie Daley and Darren Lockyer will pick a merit team after the Origin series.
