Jason Nightingale

Jason ‘The Gypsy‘ Nightingale (born 20 September 1986) is a former New Zealand international rugby league footballer who played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL. He primarily played on the wing, but off the bench he’s played fullback, centre, lock, second row and even prop. Nightingale spent his entire career with the Dragons,[2] with whom he won the 2010 NRL Premiership. Nightingale was also a member of the New Zealand national rugby league team that beat Australia in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Final.

Jason Nightingale
Personal information
Born (1986-09-20) 20 September 1986
Paddington, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight91 kg (14 st 5 lb)
PositionWing, Fullback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2007–18 St George Illawarra 266 110 0 0 440
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2008–17 New Zealand 33 19 0 0 76
2012 NRL All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]

Background

Born in the Sydney suburb of Paddington, New South Wales, Australia to New Zealand parents, Nightingale is of Māori descent (specifically the Waikato Tainui Iwi). He moved to Mount Maunganui in New Zealand at the age of six months, returned to Australia, then moved back to New Zealand to Morrinsville for two years, before settling in Australia at age 13. In Sydney, he played his junior rugby league for Renown United.[3][4][5] Nightingale played for the St George Illawarra Dragons Jersey Flegg Cup team.

Playing career

2007

In round 8, Nightingale made his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons against the Penrith Panthers, playing on the wing and scoring a try on debut in the 28-16 win at Jubilee Oval.[6] He finished his debut season with 7 tries from 16 matches.

2008

Nightingale was selected for New Zealand for the 2008 Centenary Test against Australia, making his international debut for New Zealand on the wing in the Kiwis 28-12 loss at the SCG.[7][8] Nightingale finished the 2008 NRL season playing in 24 matches and scoring 13 tries for the Dragons. In August 2008, Nightingale was chosen for the New Zealand training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[9] Nightingale originally missed out of the final 24-man Kiwis squad for the World Cup, but was chosen as a replacement for the injured Brent Webb.[10] Nightingale only played in 1 match in the World Cup, playing against England and scored a try in the Kiwis 36-24 win at Hunter Stadium.[11]

2009

In 2009, Nightingale was selected for St George Illawarra's feeder side Shellharbour Dragons for some matches during the season after being stuck behind Brett Morris and Wendell Sailor on the wing. Nightingale was selected on the interchange bench for the Kiwis 2008 Anzac Test in the 38-10 loss against Australia at Suncorp Stadium.[12] Nightingale played in 18 matches and scored 3 tries for the Dragons in the 2009 NRL season.

2010

In 2010, after the retirement of Wendell Sailor, Nightingale returned to the starting lineup on the wing. For the 2010 Anzac Test, Nightingale was selected to play for New Zealand on the wing, scoring a try in their 12-8 loss against Australia at AAMI Park.[13] On 3 October 2010, in the Dragons 2010 NRL Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters, Nightingale played on the wing and scored two second-half tries to help the Dragons to achieve the 32-8 victory.[14] Nightingale played in 26 matches and scored 16 tries in the Dragons successful 2010 NRL season.

Nightingale was chosen in the New Zealand Kiwis 2010 Rugby League Four Nations squad, scoring three tries in four games, including a 71st minute try in the final at Suncorp Stadium.[15] Nightingale's fine late season form saw him earning a place in Rugby League World's team of the year on the wing.[16]

2011

On 9 March 2011, Nightingale extended his contract with the Dragons for a further 4 years until the end of the 2015 season.[17] Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the 2011 Anzac Test against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 20-10 loss at Cbus Super Stadium.[18] In round 19, against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Nightingale played his 100th National Rugby League career match in the Dragons 38-8 win at Jubilee Oval.[19] Nightingale was named the Dragons ‘Player of the Year’ for the 2011 NRL season, playing in 25 matches and scoring 10 tries for the Dragons. Nightingale was selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team 2011 Rugby League Four Nations squad, playing in 4 matches and scoring 3 tries.

2012

On 4 February 2012, Nightingale was selected for the NRL All Stars team against the Indigenous All Stars playing on the wing in the 36-28 win at Cbus Super Stadium.[20]

Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the 2012 Anzac Test against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 20-12 loss at Eden Park.[21]

Nightingale played in all of the Dragons 24 matches and scored 7 tries in the 2012 NRL season.

2013

Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the 2013 Anzac Test against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 32-12 loss at Canberra Stadium.[22]

In round 20, against the Canberra Raiders, Nightingale played his 150th NRL career match in the Dragons 22-18 loss at Canberra Stadium.[23][24] Nightingale played in all of the Dragons 24 matches and scored 9 tries in the 2013 NRL season.

Nightingale played for the Kiwis in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Nightingale was selected in the New Zealand 2013 World Cup squad, playing in 2 matches.[25]

2014

In February 2014, Nightingale was selected for the St George Illawarra Dragons inaugural 2014 Auckland Nines squad.[26] On 2 May 2014, Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the Anzac test against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 30-18 loss at the SFS.[27] Nightingale finished off the 2014 NRL season as the Dragons highest tryscorer with 16 tries in 22 matches.

On 7 October 2014, Nightingale was selected in the New Zealand Kiwis final 24-man squad for the 2014 Four Nations series.[28] Nightingale played on the wing and scored a try in the Kiwis 22-18 Four Nations final win over Australia at Westpac Stadium.[29] Nightingale finished as the tournament's top try scorer with 5 tries after 4 games.

2015

On 21 January 2015, Nightingale was named in the Dragons 2015 NRL Auckland Nines squad.[30] On 3 May 2015, Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the 2015 Anzac Test against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 26-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.[31] On 19 June 2015, Nightingale re-signed with the Dragons on a 2-year contract until the end of the 2017 season after attracting offers from the New Zealand Warriors and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.[32][33] Nightingale finished the 2015 NRL season playing in 17 matches and scoring 5 tries for the Dragons.

On 8 October 2015, Nightingale was selected in the 23-man New Zealand squad to tour England.[34] Nightingale played in all 3 matches against England on the wing and scored a try in the Kiwis' 2-1 Baskerville Shield series loss.[35]

2016

In round 3, against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Nightingale played his 200th NRL career match, scoring a try in the Dragons 8-6 win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[36][37] On 6 May 2016, Nightingale played for the New Zealand Kiwis against Australia, playing on the wing in the 16-0 loss at Hunter Stadium.[38]

2017

Nightingale was one of 5 players to have played all 24 games for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in 2017 and for the third season, was the club's top tryscorer (with 16). Overall, Nightingale finished equal sixth for tries scored in the 2017 NRL season. In Round 16 vs Newcastle Knights, Nightingale scored his 100th try in a winning effort of 32-28 in a second-half comeback.

2018

On 9 August 2018 it was reported that Nightingale had announced his retirement from rugby league, effective at the end of 2018.[39][40]

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See also

References
  1. "Jason Nightingale - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  2. Nightingale, Jason (8 March 2018). "The secret Wayne Bennett recipe". PlayersVoice. Archived from the original on 14 March 2018.
  3. "League: 'Aussie' Nightingale over the moon with test debut for Kiwis". NZ Herald. NZ Press Association. 1 May 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  4. Haigh, Paul (26 March 2014). "Nightingale sets record straight". St George & Sutherland Shire Leader. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  5. Long, David (23 October 2014). "Jason Nightingale was always a Kiwi at heart". Stuff. Brisbane. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  6. Walter, Brad (5 May 2007). "Dragons hang on for win". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  7. "Kiwis call up Test surprises". Fox Sports. 30 April 2008. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  8. Jackson, Glenn (10 May 2008). "Kangaroos outclass Kiwis in Centenary Test". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  9. "Kiwis select Sonny Bill". Sky Sports. 8 August 2008. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  10. "Kiwi Webb forced out of World Cup". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 October 2008. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  11. "Matai feels the pain but NZ makes gain (+pics)". Stuff. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2015 – via Sydney Morning Herald.
  12. "Australia Beats New Zealand 38-10 in ANZAC Test". Couriermail.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  13. "Brett Morris Scores Twice as Australia Beat New Zealand in ANZAC Test". Foxsports.com.au. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  14. Ricketts, Steve (4 October 2010). "St George-Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett says grand final win a victory for true believers". The Courier-Mail. News Corp.
  15. Ricketts, Steve (14 November 2010). "Kangaroos crack again as New Zealand wins Four Nations final 16-12". The Courier-Mail. News Corp. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 April 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Jason Nightingale Has Re-Signed with Dragons". Fox Sports. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  18. "Australia Play New Zealand in the Mid Year Rugby League Test". Foxsports.com.au. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  19. Walter, Brad (19 July 2011). "Dragons blow Sharks out of the water to bring history closer". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  20. "Indigenous All Stars Take on NRL All Stars". Foxpsorts.com.au. Archived from the original on 1 March 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  21. "Lowdown on Test Blockbuster". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp. Archived from the original on 19 November 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  22. "Australia Blow New Zealand Away in Anzac Test". Fox Sports. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  23. Tuxworth, Jon (25 March 2013). "Raiders make do without Dugan as Robinson steps up to spear Dragons". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  24. "Nightingale hopeful in 150th game". NRL.com. National Rugby League. 22 July 2013. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  25. Walter, Brad (8 October 2013). "Sonny Bill Williams declares himself available for New Zealand Kiwis World Cup squad". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  26. "Squads For Auckland Nines". Rugby League Week. Bauer Media Australia. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  27. "Courageous New Zealand Give Australia a Scare in TransTasman Test". Foxpsortsh.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  28. "Four rookies in Kiwis Four Nations squad". NRL.com. National Rugby League. Australian Associated Press. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  29. Ritchie, Dean (15 November 2014). "Four Nations 2014: New Zealand champions after defeating Australia 22-18 in Wellington". The Daily Telegraph. Wellington: Fairfax Media. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  30. "DRAGONS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD". Rugby League Week. 21 January 2015. Archived from the original on 24 July 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  31. Barrett, Chris (3 May 2015). "New Zealand Kiwis claim third straight win over Australian Kangaroos for first time since 1953". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  32. "Jason Nightingale signs extension with St George Illawarra that will keep him at the club until 2017". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  33. Hooper, James (17 June 2015). "NRL 2015: Jason Nightingale set to reject big-money move to Warriors to remain with Dragons". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  34. "Kiwis name squad for England tour". NRL.com. National Rugby League. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  35. "England v New Zealand 3rd Test: hosts take series with nervy 20-14 win over Kiwis in Wigan". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp. PA, AAP. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  36. Walsh, Dan (18 March 2016). "Dragons v Rabbitohs: Jason Nightingale survives Paul McGregor rebuild". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  37. Jennings, Mitch (20 March 2016). "Burgess injured in Dragons victory". Illawarra Mercury. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  38. Elsom, Dan (7 May 2016). "Live coverage of the ANZAC Test between Australia and New Zealand at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle". News.com.au. News Corp. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  39. "Jason Nightingale to retire at season's end". St George Illawarra Dragons. National Rugby League. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  40. Pengilly, Adam (9 August 2018). "Dragons veteran Nightingale to retire". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 9 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
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