View source for Jason Nightingale

{{short description|NZ international rugby league footballer}}
{{about|the athlete|the spree killer|Jason Nightengale}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name           = Jason 'The Gypsy' Nightingale
|fullname       = Jason Nightingale
|image          = Jason Nightingale 2013.JPG
|caption        = 
|position       = {{rlp|WG|FB}}
|birth_date     = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1986|9|20}}
|birth_place    = [[Paddington, New South Wales]], Australia
|height         = {{convert|183|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight         = {{convert|91|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|club1          = [[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St George Illawarra]]
|year1start     = 2007
|year1end       = 18
|appearances1   = 268
|tries1         = 110
|goals1         = 0
|fieldgoals1    = 0 
|points1        = 440
|teamA          = [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]]
|yearAstart     = 2008
|yearAend       = 17
|appearancesA   = 33
|triesA         = 19
|goalsA         = 0
|fieldgoalsA    = 0 
|pointsA        = 76
|teamB          = [[NRL All Stars team|NRL All Stars]] 
|yearBstart     = 2012
|yearBend       = 
|appearancesB   = 1
|triesB         = 0
|goalsB         = 0
|fieldgoalsB    = 0
|pointsB        = 0
|retired        =yes 
|source         = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Jason Nightingale - Career Stats & Summary |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/jason-nightingale/summary.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109161427/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/jason-nightingale/summary.html |archive-date=2017-11-09 |access-date=2018-10-03 |website=Rugby League Project}}</ref>
|updated        = 17 March 2021
}}

'''Jason Nightingale''' (born 20 September 1986) is a former [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] international [[rugby league]] footballer who played as a {{rlp|wg}}er and {{rlp|fb}} for the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]] in the [[National Rugby League|NRL]].

He primarily played on the wing and as a fullback, but off the bench he's played as a centre, lock, second row and even prop. Nightingale spent his entire career with the Dragons,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Jason |date=2018-03-08 |title=The secret Wayne Bennett recipe |url=https://www.playersvoice.com.au/nightingale-secret-wayne-bennett-recipe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314065035/https://www.playersvoice.com.au/nightingale-secret-wayne-bennett-recipe/ |archive-date=2018-03-14 |access-date=2018-03-08 |website=PlayersVoice}}</ref> with whom he won the [[2010 NRL Premiership]]. Nightingale was also a member of the [[New Zealand national rugby league team]] that beat [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] in the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]] Final.

==Background==
Born in the [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]] suburb of [[Paddington, New South Wales]], Australia to New Zealand parents, Nightingale is of [[Māori people|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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-05-01 |title=League: 'Aussie' Nightingale over the moon with test debut for Kiwis |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |agency=NZ Press Association |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10507436 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420202853/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10507436 |archive-date=2018-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Haigh |first=Paul |date=2014-03-26 |title=Nightingale sets record straight |work=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.theleader.com.au/story/2170895/nightingale-sets-record-straight/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420140013/https://www.theleader.com.au/story/2170895/nightingale-sets-record-straight/ |archive-date=2018-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Long |first=David |date=2014-10-23 |title=Jason Nightingale was always a Kiwi at heart |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |location=Brisbane |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/10649428/Jason-Nightingale-was-always-a-Kiwi-at-heart |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Nightingale played for the [[St George Illawarra Dragons]] [[Jersey Flegg Cup]] team.

==Playing career==
===2007===
In round 8, Nightingale made his [[National Rugby League|NRL]] debut for [[St. George Illawarra Dragons|St. George Illawarra]] against the [[Penrith Panthers]], playing on the wing and scoring a try on debut in the 28–16 win at [[Jubilee Oval]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2007-05-05 |title=Dragons hang on for win |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-hang-on-for-win-20070505-gdq2hf.html |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724064442/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-hang-on-for-win-20070505-gdq2hf.html |archive-date=2018-07-24}}</ref> He finished his debut season with 7 tries from 16 matches.

===2008===
Nightingale was selected for New Zealand for the [[2008 Centenary Rugby League Test|2008 Centenary Test]] against Australia, making his international debut for New Zealand on the wing in the Kiwis 28–12 loss at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground|SCG]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-04-30 |title=Kiwis call up Test surprises |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23623055-23214,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230150253/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23623055-23214,00.html |archive-date=2012-12-30 |access-date=2008-04-30 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Glenn |date=2008-05-10 |title=Kangaroos outclass Kiwis in Centenary Test |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/kangaroos-outclass-kiwis-in-centenary-test-20080510-ge9xvv.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> Nightingale finished the [[2008 NRL season]] playing in 24 matches and scoring 13 tries for St. George Illawarra. In August 2008, Nightingale was chosen for the [[New Zealand national rugby league team#2008 World Cup Squad|New Zealand training squad]] for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-08 |title=Kiwis select Sonny Bill |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113072054/https://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html |archive-date=2016-01-13 |access-date=2015-10-03 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Nightingale originally missed out of the final 24-man [[New Zealand national rugby league team#2008 World Cup Squad|Kiwis]] squad for the World Cup, but was chosen as a replacement for the injured [[Brent Webb]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-10-08 |title=Kiwi Webb forced out of World Cup |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656238.stm |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010164051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7656238.stm |archive-date=2008-10-10}}</ref> Nightingale only played in one match in the World Cup, playing against [[England national rugby league team|England]] and scored a try in the Kiwis 36–24 win at [[Hunter Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-01-31 |title=Matai feels the pain but NZ makes gain (+pics) |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/710565/Matai-feels-the-pain-but-NZ-makes-gain-font-size-1-pics-FONT-a |access-date=2015-10-03 |via=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] }}</ref>

===2009===
[[Image:Jason Nightingale.jpg|thumb|right|Nightingale playing for the St George Illawarra Dragons against the [[Brisbane Broncos]] in 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2009-05-08 |title=Australia Beats New Zealand 38-10 in ANZAC Test |work=The Courier Mail |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/australia-beats-new-zealand-38-10-in-anzac-test-in-brisbane/story-e6frep5x-1225710449082 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150211052542/http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/australia-beats-new-zealand-38-10-in-anzac-test-in-brisbane/story-e6frep5x-1225710449082 |archive-date=2015-02-11 |via=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> Nightingale played in 18 matches and scored three tries for St. George Illawarra 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brett Morris Scores Twice as Australia Beat New Zealand in ANZAC Test |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/brett-morris-scores-twice-as-australia-beat-new-zealand-in-anzac-test/story-fn2mcuhw-1225920022622 |access-date=2015-10-04 |website=Fox Sports}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> On 3 October 2010, in St. George Illawarra's [[2010 NRL Grand Final]] against the [[Sydney Roosters]], Nightingale played on the wing and scored two second-half tries to help the club to achieve the 32–8 victory.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ricketts |first=Steve |date=2010-10-04 |title=St George-Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett says grand final win a victory for true believers |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-illawarra-coach-wayne-bennett-says-grand-final-win-a-victory-for-true-believers/news-story/9f7be07728bad24bf0e1423dbcdc82b3 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108224821/https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-illawarra-coach-wayne-bennett-says-grand-final-win-a-victory-for-true-believers/news-story/9f7be07728bad24bf0e1423dbcdc82b3?nk=5fe313fd29c7fe7da60d5af3390c2b61-1604875701 |archive-date=2020-11-08}}</ref> Nightingale played in 26 matches and scored 16 tries in St. George Illawarra's 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ricketts |first=Steve |date=2010-11-14 |title=Kangaroos crack again as New Zealand wins Four Nations final 16-12 |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-crack-again-as-new-zealand-wins-four-nations-final-16-12/news-story/b826e1550d603936bd4e57397fb5bcc3 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802030146/https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-crack-again-as-new-zealand-wins-four-nations-final-16-12/news-story/b826e1550d603936bd4e57397fb5bcc3?nk=9fbd250b46408470c62771ff7854a699-1596023356 |archive-date=2020-08-02}}</ref> Nightingale's fine late season form saw him earning a place in [[Rugby League World]]'s team of the year on the wing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rugbyleaguetoday.co.uk/marshall-scoops-golden-boot-award/ |access-date=4 January 2011 |title=Archived copy |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423011121/http://www.rugbyleaguetoday.co.uk/marshall-scoops-golden-boot-award/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2011===
On 9 March 2011, Nightingale extended his contract with St. George Illawarra for a further four years until the end of the 2015 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-09 |title=Jason Nightingale Has Re-Signed with Dragons |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/new-zealand-international-winger-jason-nightingale-has-re-signed-with-st-george-illawarra-dragons/story-fn2mcuj6-1226018293999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108231006/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/new-zealand-international-winger-jason-nightingale-has-re-signed-with-st-george-illawarra-dragons/news-story/6485f140559508efa63ce9a602b893e2?nk=86019c9224ada4e759c7396be2ce831d-1604877006 |archive-date=2020-11-08 |access-date=2015-10-04 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jancetic |first=Steve |date=2011-05-06 |title=Australia Play New Zealand in the Mid Year Rugby League Test |work=Fox Sports |agency=AAP |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/australia-play-new-zealand-in-the-mid-year-rugby-league-test-at-skilled-park-gold-coast/story-fn2mcuhw-1226051390439 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150219033826/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/australia-play-new-zealand-in-the-mid-year-rugby-league-test-at-skilled-park-gold-coast/story-fn2mcuhw-1226051390439 |archive-date=2015-02-19}}</ref> In round 19, against the [[Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks]], Nightingale played his 100th National Rugby League career match in St. George Illawarra's 38–8 win at [[Jubilee Oval]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2011-07-19 |title=Dragons blow Sharks out of the water to bring history closer |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-blow-sharks-out-of-the-water-to-bring-history-closer-20110718-1hlrw.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724082900/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-blow-sharks-out-of-the-water-to-bring-history-closer-20110718-1hlrw.html |archive-date=2018-07-24}}</ref> 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 three tries.

===2012===
On 4 February 2012, Nightingale was selected for the [[NRL All Stars team]] against the [[Indigenous All Stars (rugby league)|Indigenous All Stars]] playing on the wing in the 36–28 win at Cbus Super Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mccullough |first=Ian |date=2012-02-04 |title=NRL All Stars hold out Indigenous All Stars in entertaining affair at Skilled Park |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/indigenous-all-stars-take-on-nrl-all-stars-for-arthur-beetson-trophy-in-clash-at-skilled-park/story-e6frf3ou-1226262734384 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150301021437/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/indigenous-all-stars-take-on-nrl-all-stars-for-arthur-beetson-trophy-in-clash-at-skilled-park/story-e6frf3ou-1226262734384 |archive-date=2015-03-01 |access-date=2015-10-04 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2012-04-20 |title=Australia beat New Zealand 20-12 in Anzac Test |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/lowdown-on-test-blockbuster/story-e6frexni-1226334489834 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141119034623/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/lowdown-on-test-blockbuster/story-e6frexni-1226334489834 |archive-date=2014-11-19}}</ref>

Nightingale played in all of St. George's 24 matches and scored seven 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-19 |title=Australia Blow New Zealand Away in Anzac Test |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/australian-kangaroos-blow-new-zealand-kiwis-away-in-anzac-test/story-fn2mcuhw-1226624767282 |access-date=2015-10-04 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref>

In round 20, against the Canberra Raiders, Nightingale played his 150th NRL career match in St. George's 22–18 loss at Canberra Stadium.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tuxworth |first=Jon |date=2013-03-25 |title=Raiders make do without Dugan as Robinson steps up to spear Dragons |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/raiders-make-do-without-dugan-as-robinson-steps-up-to-spear-dragons-20130324-2god6.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725002255/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/raiders-make-do-without-dugan-as-robinson-steps-up-to-spear-dragons-20130324-2god6.html |archive-date=2018-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-07-22 |title=Nightingale hopeful in 150th game |url=http://www.nrl.com/nightingale-hopeful-in-150th-game/tabid/10874/newsid/73596/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725003114/https://www.nrl.com/news/2013/07/22/nightingale-hopeful-in-150th-game/ |archive-date=2018-07-25 |access-date=2015-10-03 |website=National Rugby League}}</ref> Nightingale played in all of St. George Illawarra's  24 matches and scored nine 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2013-10-08 |title=Sonny Bill Williams declares himself available for New Zealand Kiwis World Cup squad |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/sonny-bill-williams-declares-himself-available-for-new-zealand-kiwis-world-cup-squad-20131008-2v65p.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725003303/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/sonny-bill-williams-declares-himself-available-for-new-zealand-kiwis-world-cup-squad-20131008-2v65p.html |archive-date=2018-07-25}}</ref>

===2014===
In February 2014, Nightingale was selected for St. George Illawarra's inaugural [[2014 Auckland Nines]] squad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-14 |title=Squads For Auckland Nines |url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115214258/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/ |archive-date=2016-01-15 |access-date=2015-10-03 |website=Rugby League Week |publisher=Bauer Media Australia}}</ref> On 2 May 2014, Nightingale was selected for the Kiwis for the [[2014 Anzac Test|Anzac test]] against Australia on the wing in the Kiwis 30–18 loss at the [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|SFS]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crawley |first=Paul |date=2014-05-03 |title=Courageous New Zealand Give Australia a Scare in Trans-Tasman Test |work=Fox Sports |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kangaroos/courageous-new-zealand-give-australia-a-scare-in-transtasman-rugby-league-test/story-fn2mcuhw-1226903730353 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506135922/http://www.foxsports.com.au//nrl/kangaroos/courageous-new-zealand-give-australia-a-scare-in-transtasman-rugby-league-test/story-fn2mcuhw-1226903730353 |archive-date=2014-05-06 |via=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> Nightingale finished off the [[2014 NRL season]] as St. George Illawarra's 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 Rugby League Four Nations|2014 Four Nations series]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Four rookies in Kiwis Four Nations squad |work=National Rugby League |agency=Australian Associated Press |url=https://www.nrl.com/four-rookies-in-kiwis-four-nations-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/82419/default.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193201/http://www.nrl.com/four-rookies-in-kiwis-four-nations-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/82419/default.aspx |archive-date=2015-09-23}}</ref> Nightingale played on the wing and scored a try in the Kiwis 22-18 Four Nations final win over Australia at [[Westpac Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ritchie |first=Dean |date=2014-11-15 |title=Four Nations 2014: New Zealand champions after defeating Australia 22-18 in Wellington |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Wellington |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/four-nations-2014-new-zealand-champions-after-defeating-australia-2218-in-wellington/news-story/013100e852bc53c36602fd39a5756ee2 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109002115/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/four-nations-2014-new-zealand-champions-after-defeating-australia-2218-in-wellington/news-story/013100e852bc53c36602fd39a5756ee2?nk=02d740ba8c7ad9913acb96d81129eff6-1604881274 |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref> Nightingale finished as the tournament's top try scorer with five tries after 4 games.

===2015===
On 21 January 2015, Nightingale was named in St. George Illawarra's [[2015 NRL Auckland Nines]] squad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-21 |title=Dragons name 2015 Nines squad |url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/dragons-2015-nines-squad/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724031557/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/dragons-2015-nines-squad/ |archive-date=2015-07-24 |access-date=2015-10-03 |website=Rugby League Week}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Chris |date=2015-05-03 |title=New Zealand Kiwis claim third straight win over Australian Kangaroos for first time since 1953 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/new-zealand-kiwis-claim-third-straight-win-over-australian-kangaroos-for-first-time-since-1953-20150503-1mywnp.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725021224/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/new-zealand-kiwis-claim-third-straight-win-over-australian-kangaroos-for-first-time-since-1953-20150503-1mywnp.html |archive-date=2018-07-25}}</ref> On 19 June 2015, Nightingale re-signed with St. George Illawarra on a two-year contract until the end of the 2017 season after attracting offers from the [[New Zealand Warriors]] and the [[Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-06-19 |title=Jason Nightingale signs extension with St George Illawarra that will keep him at the club until 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/dragons/jason-nightingale-signs-extension-with-st-george-illawarra-that-will-keep-him-at-the-club-until-2017/news-story/73480e05b7379271a69739f14ed88d98 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109002819/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/dragons/jason-nightingale-signs-extension-with-st-george-illawarra-that-will-keep-him-at-the-club-until-2017/news-story/73480e05b7379271a69739f14ed88d98?nk=75907446de829f79af9d4e04d8d0cb38-1604881699 |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hooper |first=James |date=2015-06-17 |title=NRL 2015: Jason Nightingale set to reject big-money move to Warriors to remain with Dragons |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2015-jason-nightingale-set-to-reject-bigmoney-move-to-warriors-to-remain-with-dragons/news-story/e7b4bfc449c6683acd514e08069ea852 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109003159/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2015-jason-nightingale-set-to-reject-bigmoney-move-to-warriors-to-remain-with-dragons/news-story/e7b4bfc449c6683acd514e08069ea852?nk=1dc32e327b6c9352efe001a74178b2db-1604881919 |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref> 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 [[2015 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain|England]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-08 |title=Kiwis name squad for England tour |url=http://www.nrl.com/kiwis-name-squad-for-england-tour/tabid/10874/newsid/90473/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022810/http://www.nrl.com/kiwis-name-squad-for-england-tour/tabid/10874/newsid/90473/default.aspx |archive-date=2015-11-17 |access-date=2015-12-20 |website=National Rugby League}}</ref> Nightingale played in all 3 matches against [[England national rugby league team|England]] on the wing and scored a try in the Kiwis' 2-1 [[Baskerville Shield]] series loss.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-11-15 |title=England v New Zealand 3rd Test: hosts take series with nervy 20-14 win over Kiwis in Wigan |work=The Daily Telegraph |agency=PA, AAP |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/england-v-new-zealand-3rd-test--hosts-take-series-with-nervy-2014-win-over-kiwis-in-wigan/news-story/eaa3781c2add16beb3623cbf85ef943a |access-date=2015-12-23}}</ref>

===2016===
In round 3, against the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]], Nightingale played his 200th NRL career match, scoring a try in St. George Illawarra's 8–6 win at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Dan |date=2016-03-18 |title=NRL 2016: Dragons veteran Jason Nightingale is the last man standing after 10 years of change |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/dragons-veteran-jason-nightingale-the-last-man-standing-in-10-years-of/news-story/115eacee30bd3698df64198744a38e19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109004158/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/dragons-veteran-jason-nightingale-the-last-man-standing-in-10-years-of/news-story/115eacee30bd3698df64198744a38e19?nk=9fceb5ef574490e4b80900aae192aeee-1604882518 |archive-date=2020-11-09 |access-date=2017-05-02 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jennings |first=Mitch |date=2016-03-20 |title=Burgess injured in Dragons victory |work=Illawarra Mercury |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3801892/burgess-injured-in-dragons-victory/ |url-status=live |access-date=2017-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725063419/https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3801892/burgess-injured-in-dragons-victory/ |archive-date=2018-07-25}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Elsom |first=Dan |date=2016-05-07 |title=Live coverage of the ANZAC Test between Australia and New Zealand at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-coverage-of-the-anzac-test-between-australia-and-new-zealand-at-hunter-stadium-newcastle/news-story/5300bf4c11d489981ee82f5d0622f823 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801112910/https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-coverage-of-the-anzac-test-between-australia-and-new-zealand-at-hunter-stadium-newcastle/news-story/5300bf4c11d489981ee82f5d0622f823 |archive-date=2017-08-01}}</ref>

===2017===
Nightingale was one of five 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 against [[Newcastle Knights|Newcastle]], 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-08 |title=Jason Nightingale to retire at season's end |url=https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/08/09/jason-nightingale-to-retire-at-seasons-end/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809025944/https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/08/09/jason-nightingale-to-retire-at-seasons-end/ |archive-date=2018-08-09 |access-date=2018-08-08 |website=St George Illawarra Dragons |publisher=National Rugby League}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pengilly |first=Adam |date=2018-08-09 |title=Dragons veteran Nightingale to retire |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-veteran-nightingale-to-retire-20180808-p4zwcf.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2018-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809000701/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-veteran-nightingale-to-retire-20180808-p4zwcf.html |archive-date=2018-08-09}}</ref>

== Post playing ==
In 2024, Nightingale was made a life member of the [[St. George Illawarra Dragons]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-12 |title=Dragons induct five inaugural life members to mark 25th anniversary |url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8694138/st-george-illawarras-25th-anniversary-honours-five-legends/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Illawarra Mercury |language=en-AU}}</ref> 

In 2019, Nightingale opened a coffee shop in [[ Kogarah]]

==See also==
*[[List of players with 100 NRL tries]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/jason-nightingale/ St. George Illawarra Dragons profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041415/https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/jason-nightingale/ |date=8 March 2018 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20151224053409/http://www.dragons.com.au/team/profiles/jason_nightingale.html Dragons profile]
*[http://www.rlwc2017.com/players?team=377#Jason-Nightingale 2017 RLWC profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044423/http://www.rlwc2017.com/players?team=377#Jason-Nightingale |date=1 December 2017 }}

{{St. George Illawarra Dragons squad - 2010 NRL Premiers}}
{{St. George Illawarra Dragons - 2011 World Club Challenge winners}}
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| titlestyle = background: black
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{{New Zealand 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2009 New Zealand Rugby League Four Nations squad}}
{{New Zealand 2010 Four Nations squad}}
{{New Zealand 2011 Four Nations squad}}
{{New Zealand 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{New Zealand 2014 Four Nations squad}}
{{New Zealand 2016 Four Nations squad}}
{{New Zealand 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nightingale, Jason}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australian people of Māori descent]]
[[Category:Australian rugby league players]]
[[Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league players]]
[[Category:New Zealand national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:NRL All Stars players]]
[[Category:Rugby league fullbacks]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Sydney]]
[[Category:Rugby league wingers]]
[[Category:Shellharbour City Dragons players]]
[[Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons players]]
[[Category:Waikato Tainui people]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]