Canberra Raiders fullback Jack Wighton's immediate playing future hinges on the outcome of the ACT Policing investigation into a Civic brawl, which is likely to be finalised next week.
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Further details have emerged of the alleged involvement of the Raiders star in three assaults outside Canberra nightclub Academy five weeks before the start of the NRL season.
In February, a police press release called for witnesses to a series of violent incidents in Civic on the morning of February 3.
The police statement said officers received reports of three assaults between 2.45am and 3am near Bible Lane.
Police then attended a disturbance involving a group of people about 3.10am at the intersection of Mort and Bunda streets.
There's been speculation the 25-year-old could be stood down for the remainder of the season if he is charged.
He missed the Raiders' gutsy 26-10 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium on Thursday night due to the birth of his second daughter.
Young-gun Nick Cotric debutised brilliantly in Wighton's usual fullback position.
But it's believed neither the Raiders nor the NRL have considered any sanctions given the police investigation is ongoing.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg met with the Raiders board before the Bulldogs game, but it's believed Wighton wasn't discussed and NRL matters, including the proposed Braddon centre of excellence, were the sole focus.
At this stage, Wighton remained in contention to play against the Parramatta Eels at Canberra Stadium next Saturday.
Melbourne Storm fullback Scott Drinkwater has been linked as potential cover for Wighton. He's been playing for Easts Tigers in the Queensland Cup so far this season.
Meanwhile, Raiders halfback Sam Williams was ruled out of the Eels clash after scans on Friday revealed the extent of damage to the medial ligament in his knee.
He'll miss 4-6 weeks, ruling him out until at least round 10 when they host the Cronulla Sharks on May 13.
Williams was left gutted after he was forced from the field in the 56th minute.
It came during his first win back in lime green - returning to the club for
his third stint following a short spell with England Super League club Wakefield Trinity.
"It was the first win I've part of since being back here and it's a feeling that I missed, so I was just grateful to be part of this team and part of this win," Williams said.
"It's been a tough few weeks with the whole squad.
"To have a little bit of adversity again and to come through with the win it was just really enjoyable to be part of this team."
In Williams' absence, Raiders five-eighth Aidan Sezer ran the Green Machine brilliantly as they ended their winless start to the season.
Three of his kicks led to Raiders tries in a display Canberra coach Ricky Stuart described as Sezer's best in lime green.
Williams' injury also opened the door for an NRL return for Blake Austin, who was named to play for Mounties against the Penrith Panthers in NSW Cup on Saturday.
It would be Austin's second game for the Mounties, after he scored a try in their win over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles last weekend.
Williams backed Sezer to take the Raiders' reins again.
"Aidan's a class player and confidence is a big thing within this game and I know he took a lot out of how he started the game and it went throughout the game," Williams said.
"He played really well. I'm really happy for him to find that form and that confidence and hopefully it continues.
"There's a fair bit of ticker across this team. You find out in tough times and under adversity, and we had a bit of both over the last few weeks and Aidan stood up [on Thursday night]."
NRL ROUND SIX
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
