Jack Wighton Reportedly Penalised Following Heroic Try-Saving Attempt as Rabbitohs Face Defeat Against North Queensland

Jack Wighton is facing a wait to learn his fate from the match review committee after experiencing a dramatic shift from making a remarkable try-saving tackle to being put on report during his team’s 24-16 defeat against the Cowboys.

In the second half, it appeared Scott Drinkwater was a guaranteed scorer when Wighton made a crucial tackle from behind, dislodging the ball just short of the line.

The tackle was initially celebrated; however, more than a minute later, the Bunker intervened, with Wighton being reported for a hip drop tackle.

Former player Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach expressed his disapproval.

“What is he supposed to do in that situation?” he questioned during a Fox League broadcast.

Commentator Dan Ginnane suggested there might be widespread sympathy for Wighton.

The turn of events was unfortunate for the Rabbitohs, with Jaxson Purdue scoring shortly thereafter to narrow the gap to 16-10 in the 64th minute.

After Latrell Mitchell was shifted to five-eighth, he provided the initial try assist for Euan Aitken’s try, which came in the 21st minute.

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However, by half-time, the Cowboys had taken a 6-4 lead following a try from Murray Taulagi and a penalty goal from Drinkwater.

At the break, the North Queensland fullback was far from pleased.

“That was terrible,” he commented. “We’ve made far too many errors in our sets. We’re not hitting our targets. It’s great to be in the lead, but we feel flat.”

The second half began poorly for the Cowboys as Jai Arrow put South Sydney ahead. North Queensland responded through a grubber from Reece Robson that saw Sam McIntyre score.

Purdue’s first try came shortly after, and he scored again in the 68th minute.

In the closing moments, Jye Gray kept his team in the match with a try, but a sin bin for Sean Keppie due to a high tackle in the 76th minute compounded their woes, allowing Drinkwater to convert a penalty goal that sealed the victory.