The Raiders five-eighth backed Penrith playmakers Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai to get the job done for the Blues in the State of Origin opener next week.

Origin I will be played in Townsville instead of at the MCG after the NRL announced on Monday the Melbourne coronavirus outbreak had forced it to relocate the game - the MCG will host a game in 2024 and 2026 instead.

NSW coach Brad Fittler opted for Luai at five-eighth, to play alongside his Panthers teammate Cleary, rather than Wighton, who was named on the bench on Sunday night.

It's not surprising given Penrith's stunning start to the season that has them unbeaten after 12 rounds.

Wighton found himself with a new halves partner at the Green Machine on the weekend following the immediate release of England international George Williams.

Homesick halfback Williams had asked for a release at the end of the season, but the Raiders felt it was in their own best interest to let him go immediately.

It led to Williams' teammate Josh Hodgson coming out in the press in defence of his countryman, which was perceived in some quarters to be having a go at the club.

Wighton didn't want to be drawn into the drama, preferring to keep the discussion in the inner sanctum.

"I've got no comment on that mate. I think the team and everybody else has already talked about it too much so I won't be commenting on that," he said.

"It's something we've got to keep a little more in house. I've got not much to say on that."

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Wighton joined the Blues camp at Coogee on Sunday, where he'll start preparing for next week's series opener.

He was thrilled to get the chance to play his seventh Origin and was unconcerned to have missed out on the No.6 jersey.

The 28-year-old was also overlooked at centre, where he has played five of his games for the Blues.

Fittler opted for Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic for those roles instead.

Wighton said Luai deserved his spot.

"I think 'Romey' and 'Clez' they've been unreal and they've been a great combination over the opening months," Wighton said.

"I'm just very happy to be part of the team."

At 190 centimetres tall and 96 kilograms, Wighton shapes as the perfect Origin No.14.

Not only can he play in the halves, fullback or the outside backs, but he's also physical enough to play in the second row or even in the middle - although the latter would be akin to entering a Ferrari into a demolition derby.

"I'm very pumped mate, very blessed and excited any time I get the chance to wear this jersey I'm over the moon, very pumped," Wighton told The Canberra Times.

STATE OF ORIGIN

June 9: Queensland Maroons v NSW Blues at Townsville, 8.10pm.