It was an easy choice for Jack Wighton, choosing between a big contract elsewhere and staying with the Canberra Raiders.
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While he knows Nick Cotric, who faces a similar choice, loves the Green Machine, he said he would have to do what's best for himself.
Wighton re-signed with the Raiders for four years in Feburary, taking him through until the end of 2024.
He could've become a million-dollar player with another club, but his heart was always lime green.
Cotric's facing a similar dilemma.
The Raiders have offered the Canberra product a three-year deal, but the Canterbury Bulldogs are chasing him with a bigger offer.
"Nick's gotta do what he's gotta do for himself. I know personally he does love the club," Wighton said.
"I think he's nearly the last Canberra born-and-bred player that we've got at the moment.
"He loves the club, but that's a personal note. He'll do what he has to do, but I'm sure the club is trying to look after him and hopefully can keep him.
"It varies for different people. Mine was pretty easy.
"My heart was always here so I did mine pretty easy, but it's something Nick's going to have to [decide]. It's more of a personal thing."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
The Raiders are waiting on a response from the NRL after lodging an application for salary cap relief for John Bateman, who injured his shoulder playing for Great Britain last year.
The maximum they could get would be $350,000 via the "Josh Hodgson rule", but it's set to be a fraction of that.
It will come in handy though, with the Green Machine looking to add depth to their middle forwards.
Not only is Bateman sidelined, but Corey Horsburgh (foot) and Sia Soliola (face) could be out for the rest of the season.
Emre Guler (ankle) was also awaiting scan results from Monday, but the Raiders were hopeful he wouldn't miss many games.
They've also had Luke Bateman and JJ Collins depart due to the coronavirus hit to their wages making it tough to survive, while Jack Murchie joined the New Zealand Warriors.
Wighton was unsure when Bateman would be back, while winger Jordan Rapana (calf) could be in the selection mix.
NRL ROUND NINE
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
