Jai Field | Player Perspective

Jai Field endured an horrific start to his Wigan Warriors career. He tore his hamstring less than 20 minutes into his Warriors debut during Round One of Betfred Super League last season and made just four appearances in 2021.

He joined the Warriors amidst excitement and optimism, renowned for his lightning pace and dazzling feet, but had limited opportunities to showcase that talent.

Injuries are tough, regardless of when they happen. But for Field, it was bitterly disappointing. His  maiden season at Wigan was abruptly halted and he struggled to regain his feet.

Matt Peet on Jai Field's return for @WiganWarriorsRL:

"He’s an exciting player. He’s the kind of player people will pay to watch and he brings a lot to us in terms of an attacking threat. If we can keep him fit and well, the fans will have something to look forward to." pic.twitter.com/A3uISinqdf
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 3, 2022

Several months on the side lines left Field playing catch up when he finally recovered from his injury. But, after struggling to shake off a couple of minor niggles shortly after, his season ended prematurely.

“It was just disappointing more than anything,?? Field admitted.

“I spent 15 weeks straight off the bat on the side lines and then when I tried to get back, I came in at the halfway point of the season and everyone’s flying, they’re match fit and you’re trying to pick up things quickly. Then I’ve gone and picked up a couple of niggles which has ended my season.

“It was frustrating. Injuries happen and no one really means for them to happen, but they’re a part of it. It was frustrating to come over from Australia with goals and aspirations, and then for those not to happen in year one was definitely frustrating.??

Injuries can be a lonely place. Whether you’re a seasoned professional with a strong support base around you, or you’ve recently uprooted your life to the other side of the world.

Thankfully, Field had a familiar face to lean on after surgery. His teammate at the time, Jackson Hastings - who grew up with Field in Australia - lived just down the road and offered a helping hand whilst Field was in his early days of recovery.

That support, alongside the Wigan clubs efforts to ensure Field remained embedded in the squad despite spending large parts of the year away from the playing group, was invaluable. The squad stayed tight, which helped Field remain connected to the team during the formative stages of his Warriors career.

???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ⚡??@WiganWarriorsRL's Jai Field recorded the top max speed and intensity in round 1 💪@hullfcofficial's Danny Houghton covered the most distance 👊#SuperLeague | @catapultsports
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 15, 2022

“They were pretty good to be honest. There were times they were on the field, and I was in the gym rehabbing, but they had a rule last year that at every meeting and at different things that were going on [at the club], all players were still involved so that the injured players didn’t feel disconnected from the group. It made it a lot easier.??

And it's paid dividends. Fast forward to 2022 and Field has quickly found his stride in the spine of the Warriors side. Head coach Matt Peet put his unreserved faith in Field when he announced during the off-season that Field would get the first shot at the vacant full-back spot.

There was no doubt in Peet’s mind that Field was the man for the job, and that decision has been rewarded. Field put in a Player of the Match performance in round one against Hull KR and was majestic in the full-back role.

He put the horrors of last year’s opening round behind him in emphatic fashion and gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from a fully fit Jai Field this season.

Cust & Field link up 🔥 Kick & chase 💯

What a @WiganWarriorsRL try #SuperLeague #BringItOn pic.twitter.com/uN7gybcUOB
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 12, 2022

Nevertheless, despite an impressive opening round performance last Friday, Field’s feet remain firmly on the ground. It was a step in the right direction and another milestone crossed off after a harrowing start to life at the Warriors.

“It was definitely pleasing. Obviously last year was a bit of a write off and I struggled to get back [to fitness], so it was just pleasing to get through round one and pull up well.

“It was nice to play well but it was more pleasing to get through the game and tick another game off. It felt good for the mind mentally after last year - round one was a bit traumatic, so it was good to get through it and pull up all good.??

After a commanding win and a standout performance in round one, it could be easy to get lost in the noise. But Field and the Warriors are refusing to look any further than their next game - a tough challenge at home against Leeds Rhinos - as they aim to make amends after a disappointing conclusion to 2021.

Fantastic Field 🙌@JaiTField picks up 3 #ManOfSteel points in Round 1 ???⚪#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/tTc65L61dd
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 16, 2022

“Obviously you plan, and you want to play finals footy and you want to win trophies. But at the moment we’re taking it week by week and working hard. We’re just looking forward to getting back home to the DW [Stadium] this week and get back in front of the Wigan fans.

“Leeds is always a tough game and their fans travel well – they get right behind them. It should be a good game; I’m looking forward to it.??

You can watch Field and Wigan Warriors take on Leeds Rhinos this Friday live on Sky Sports.