Wighton’s wary of ravaged Roosters

CANBERRA fullback Jack Wighton believes the unknown quantity of a Sydney Roosters outfit missing five State of Origin stars will threaten his side’s push for back-to-back NRL wins.

Wighton, who yesterday signed a contract extension keeping him at the Raiders until the end of 2020, isn’t falling in to the trap of underestimating a Roosters side without new NSW skipper Boyd Cordner, Mitchell Pearce, Blake Ferguson, Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra.

“I think players that come in and are getting their chance are more dangerous, we don’t know what they’re going to offer,” Wighton said.

“Everybody who gets their opportunity they come in full of energy and ready to go.

“We know we’re going to be facing a dangerous team this weekend.”

While the Roosters have been ravaged by Origin call ups, Queensland forward Josh Papalii was the sole Canberra player selected for the May 31 series opener in Sydney.

“It’s awesome Joshy got his first start in the Queensland team, it’s going to be good to watch him there but we’ll definitely miss him on the weekend,” Wighton said.

NSW coach Laurie Daley’s decision to overlook Test prop Shannon Boyd, fellow battering ram Junior Paulo and skipper Jarrod Croker’s scoring shapes as a boost for Sunday’s match at GIO Stadium.

The Raiders will be desperate to kickstart their spluttering season after snapping a three-game losing streak by beating Parramatta 22-16 on Saturday. Despite the win, Wighton said they were lucky to beat the Eels.