The NRL community has rallied behind Jack Wighton after he suffered racial abuse in the wake of the announcement of his decision to join South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs confirmed on Wednesday (April 26) that the current Raiders star would be joining their ranks in 2024 on a four-year deal.
The former Blues representative reportedly turned down more lucrative offers from the Dolphins and Raiders in hopes of winning a Premiership at the Souths.
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In the aftermath of the announcement, the star five-eighth revealed the nasty racial abuse he had suffered online.
He shared a screenshot of an Instagram DM he had received, writing: “Stooping low here. For what reason little coward.”
The messages received had said: “F**k off now you weak-gutted dog.”
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A racial slur was also used to target Wighton, a Wiradjuri man.
The NRL community quickly came out in support of Wighton and condemned any such behaviour.
Fellow Raiders teammate Jamal Fogarty shared an image of the Indigenous pair, writing: “We need strong consequences/actions for this disgraceful behaviour and show the country we don’t accept racism. Support your players #saynotoracism.”
Future Souths teammate Cody Walker wrote: “Rubbish behaviour.”
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Whilst, Roosters star Brandon Smith also showed his support: “With you lads all the way. Low human man.”
The behaviour was called ‘disgusting’ and ‘pathetic’ by NRL fans.
Meanwhile, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo confirmed that the NRL Integrity Unit would be investigating the situation.
He said, via Fox Sports: “It’s absolutely abhorrent that we have people that talk to anyone in that way, whether they are a footballer or a member of the public.
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“The integrity unit will now investigate to try to track down the person and take the appropriate action.”
Earlier this season, Wighton’s future Rabbitohs’ teammate Latrell Mitchell was also subject to racial abuse during a clash with the Penrith Panthers.
The boy was identified as wearing a Sydney Roosters jersey by Souths players who asked for security to step in.
The teenager quickly fled the scene but was later tracked down by police and the NRL Integrity Unit.
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Abdo again condemned the behaviours: “You’re not welcome in our game.
“You’re going to be called out. You’re going to be called out by players, by fans, by officials and eventually it becomes eradicated.”
Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Australia, Canberra Raiders
Jayden Collins