Man of Steel Contenders: Jai Field

Jai Field has felt like a new signing this year.

His 2021 Betfred Super League season was dampened by injury after joining Wigan Warriors amid excitement and promise.

He’s certainly made up for lost time and reignited a Warriors attack which looked void of creativity before Field’s injection.

Since Round 1, Field has been involved in just under a third of Wigan’s tries – he finished the regular season with an outstanding 20 tries and 24 assists.

His ability to create chances from seemingly impossible positions has made him a joy to watch and produced countless highlight reel moments in 2022.

A deserved Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel finalist, Field has been a nightmare for opposition defences on countless occasions this year.

A hat-trick and try-saver ??

Jai Field was 🔥 when @WiganWarriorsRL defeated the Rhinos back in Round 2

Will he be the difference again in Friday's semi-final? Live on @SkySportsRL Arena, 8pm KO 📺#SuperLeague #SLWigLee pic.twitter.com/0Ktqih65oW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 12, 2022

Fellow Man of Steel nominee Jack Welsby knows all about Field’s threat, having faced the mercurial talent numerous times this year.

“He’s done brilliantly,?? Welsby admitted.

“He’s probably the form player in the comp – he’s been brilliant all year from start to finish. When you play Wigan, his is the first name on the tip sheet.

“He’s been awesome, he’s just electric. He scores tries from nowhere and that’s why he’s so dangerous. You can’t switch off for a minute with him – if you do, he’ll go the length of the field and score. You’re not catching him, that’s for sure.??

The writing was on the wall way back in Round 1 when Field produced a Player of the Match display against Hull KR. The effervescent full back showed first hand his electric pace and ability to score points from anywhere on the pitch.

He also set the top speed across the competition that night, too – a 36.1km/h effort which hasn’t been beaten all season.

Cust & Field link up 🔥 Kick & chase 💯

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

And since then, he’s just got better. If he isn’t scoring tries himself, he’s setting them up. Field’s innate ability to chime into the attacking line and pick out an inch perfect pass has added yet another string to his already impressive bow.

Field also boasts the second most run metres and second most tackle busts in the competition this year as he looks to finish 2022 with a Man of Steel winner and Super League Champion.

Man of Steel nominee Brodie Croft, who played alongside Field way back in 2017 as part of a Junior Kangaroos squad, has been in awe of Field this year.

“He’s a special player to watch,?? Croft explained.

“I’m certainly a fan of him. He’s been electric this year and one of those guys I take a few things out of his game that I want to put into my game myself.

“He’s been a joy to watch this year, that’s for sure. It’s nice to get a good season under the belt [after last year] and he’s had a good season.??

The winner of this season's Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award will be revealed on Tuesday 20 September during the 2022 Betfred Super League awards night. 

Fans will be able to watch the unveiling of the 2022 Man of Steel live on Betfred Super League’s YouTube channel here.