As Jack Wighton prepares to win his first international cap for Australia this Friday night, talk of his future at the Canberra Raiders have been increasing.
The 26-year-old was a huge surprise success playing in the centres, and despite the heartbreaking manner of his side's defeat on Grand Final night, he was duly rewarded with the Clive Churchill Medal.
Following Kangaroos training Monday afternoon, Wighton wasn't shy about affirming his loyalty to the Raiders - and the nation's capital as a whole.
'I love Canberra. It's the place I call home. Sometimes I forget where I come from and say 'Canberra' rather than 'Orange'," Wighton told the Canberra Times.
"I'm looking for longevity for my family and to really make Canberra home. I'd love something long term.
"I'm 100 per cent there for next year."
The inevitable conversation of that fateful Grand Final did cause Wighton to open up about the highs and lows of the occasion.
"The grand final is something that will always haunt you," Wighton said.
"I haven't watched it once, and I don't think I will watch it.
"People will have their opinions, I was numb after losing but to get that honour (Clive Churchill Medal) I was grateful."
Nonetheless, Wighton was able to look to the weekend's action with keen excitement following a 2019 that, final result aside, was triumphant from an individual perspective, featuring a State of Origin debut in a winning NSW campaign.
"I know if you can't get up for an Aussie jersey you shouldn't be here," he said.
"I'm buzzing. I'm walking through the streets of Kiama in the green and gold and it's the best feeling."
