Have Raiders' woes given Wighton NSW blues?

NSW Blues advisor Greg Alexander said Wighton's Origin hopes didn't hinge on his performance against the Sydney Roosters at Gosford on Saturday - although a stand-out game wouldn't hurt.

It's the Raiders' and Wighton's last game before Origin I, given they have the bye in round 13.

The Dally M Medallist's returning from a one-week suspension as the Green Machine looks to bounce back from their sixth loss in their past seven games.

Wighton's played the past six Origins in the centres for the NSW Blues, but Alexander said he was in the mix for either centre or five-eighth - where he plays for the Raiders.

The 28-year-old would also be an option as the utility on the bench.

Alexander has been happy with Wighton's form - he's scored two tries and had three try assists - and said he was a proven Origin performer.

"The fact he missed a week isn't great for him, but mainly for the Raiders," he said.

"Jack's been part of the Origin side for a couple of years now. Although the Raiders are struggling I think Jack's form's been good for what he can do in a side that's been losing the last month and a half.

"It's a big game, but his chances of playing Origin don't hinge on what happens this weekend.

"I'd like him to play well and I hope he has a big game, but I don't see it as make or break.

"He was the Dally M player of the year last year. He was good for us last year. Jack's definitely in the mix, at the top of the list."

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Wighton's versatility could see him land a number of Blues roles.

This is his third season playing in the Raiders halves since switching from fullback, plus he's made all six of his Origin appearances in the centres.

That versatility that makes him able to cover any position in the backline also makes him an ideal No.14.

Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai's been touted to join his Penrith halves partner Nathan Cleary in the Blues No.6, while South Sydney half Cody Walker's another contender.

"We'll see. There's a way to go, but he's put his hand up for both positions," Alexander said.

"We know he can play centre, we know he's been a five-eighth at club level for some time now. Jack's an Origin-type player."

Alexander couldn't pinpoint why the Raiders were struggling this season, having tipped them to face his Penrith Panthers in the grand final at the start of the year.

It wasn't just the forwards - who were well beaten by the Melbourne Storm pack on the weekend - or the backs.

He said it was just too many players not performing at their best.

It's left them one win outside of the eight as they prepare to take on the fifth-placed Roosters.

Both teams will be missing key players through injury and suspension, although the Green Machine welcome back Wighton and Josh Hodgson.

"I don't know why," Alexander said.

"Generally losing is more complicated than what it seems and in other ways it's not.

"There's just too many individuals not playing how they should be, or what was expected of them.

"I can only put it down to the performances, or lack of performance, from too many players. You just can't have it."

The second halves have become a big problem for the Raiders all season, but especially over the past two months.

During the past seven games they've lost every second half and have only managed 20 points, while their opponents have scored 133.

They've failed to score after half-time in four of those games.

In contrast they've won four of their opening 40 minutes and outscored their opponents 90-68.

Alexander was at a loss for what was causing the drop off.

"I'd like to hear someone explain that. I don't know what happens there," he said.

"I was in Canberra on Saturday night - 10-0 against the Melbourne side who had no one in their spine.

"I know Brandon Smith was there, but they were missing all four of their starters, and I thought the Raiders were a big chance to win that one.

"There was always in the back of your mind they've faded in second halves, but that was quite dramatic again."

NRL ROUND 12

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at Gosford, 7.35pm.