Croft and Field reignite old flame

Brodie Croft and Jai Field have both reinvented themselves in Betfred Super League. After stellar seasons for their respective clubs, the pair have been shortlisted for the coveted Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award alongside St Helens' starlet, Jack Welsby.

And their undeniable talent - which has been on show throughout the 2022 season - should come as no surprise. From an early age, they have have been touted to have successful careers - and their CV's prove it. 

Croft and Field lined up together for the Junior Kangaroos during a test match against the Junior Kiwis at Under 20’s level. With both players in the mere infancy of their careers as young, exciting playmakers, they partnered each other in the halves during a commanding Kangaroos win. 

“I played against him [Brodie Croft] a few times in Australia and played with him as well,?? Field explained.

“It was in a Junior Roos [Kangaroos] game, we played together in the halves. He’s always been an outstanding player and a good runner of the ball. I think it’s been a real good thing for him to come here [Super League] as well and regain that love of the game – and it’s really showing.

“He’s cutting teams to pieces at the moment – he’s always had that ability. It’s good to see.??

The Junior Kangaroos were led by another familiar face that day – 2019 Super League Coach of the Year, Justin Holbrook. Holbrook was the Junior Roos coach for the 2017 clash against the Kiwis - the same year he linked up with St Helens to become their head coach.

Holbrook’s decision to partner Brodie Croft and Jai Field in the halves paid dividends, with Croft producing a Man of the Match display and Field crossing for a try and kicking five goals during a dominant Kangaroos victory.

https://t.co/KVXhz2ApUK's Match Report from the Junior #RoosKiwis: https://t.co/4NShuHt0Bk#NRL pic.twitter.com/zoauHVi0rr
— NRL (@NRL) May 5, 2017

And the two Man of Steel nominees continue to have nothing but the upmost respect for one another after going into battle in the Green and Gold - and rooming together - over five years ago.

“First of all, he’s a great guy – that’s the first thing I picked up when we was in that Junior Roos team,?? Croft emphasised.

“I roomed with him then and he’s a down to earth sort of guy, so it’s always good to see those sort of guys go on and have good seasons like he has this year. He’s a special player to watch – I’m certainly a fan of him, but I’m not a fan when we’re up against him!

The Junior @Kangaroos wasting no time after the break with Jai Field scoring!

Junior #RoosKiwis 36-0 after 44 mins.#NRL pic.twitter.com/0zVh3uQJL2
— NRL (@NRL) May 5, 2017

“He’s been electric this year and one of those guys where I’ll try and take a few things out of his game that I want to put into my game myself, and I guess a lot of rugby league players will do that.

“He’s been a joy to watch this year, that’s for sure.??