Man of Steel Contenders: Jai Field

Jai Field has enjoyed a phenomenal season, scoring 24 tries and registering 21 assists in 25 league appearances, earning him a spot in the Super League Dream Team and on the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist. 

The Australian speedster has lit up the Betfred Super League once again, and has been pivotal in helping the defending Super League champions reach the Play-Offs, courtesy of a top two finish, just two points behind League Leaders’ Hull KR. 

The Wigan full-back ended the regular season with an incredible 45 direct try involvements and will be hoping to continue this fine form as his side prepare to face Leigh Leopards at The Brick Community Stadium in Friday's Semi-Final (3 October). 

He was at his electric best in February scoring a hat-trick against Hull FC and then continued this form into the Warriors’ historic fixture against Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas crossing the whitewash in the first half as Matt Peet’s side cruised to a 48-24 victory. 

Slick from the scrum ?

Field has a @WiganWarriorsRL hat-trick ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/OslMsIfjF6

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 21, 2025

These performances saw him named February's Glen Vodka Player of the Month.

Field was also a key figure during Wigan’s comeback against Huddersfield Giants in Round 14 scoring a try as well as assisting another having already made a try-saving tackle on Giants winger Adam Swift. 

He then had to step up in the absence of Warriors wizard and fellow playmaker Bevan French who was side-lined through injury, which he did so admirably.

Reunited in Round 23, the duo have since come alive in The Final Charge, and Field has been hitting form at the right time of the year.

Jai Field GONE ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/GUUlU4PQfP

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 5, 2025

In fact, Wigan absolutely dominated their remaining five fixtures, scoring 186 points and conceding just 22.

Is there a better support player than Field in Super League?

The 27-year-old joined the Warriors from NRL side Parramatta Eels in 2021 but suffered an injury-hit start during his debut against Leigh Leopards. 

He went on to return later that year and had a breakthrough campaign in 2022, winning the Challenge Cup and going on to seal the Super League title in 2023 and a historic quadruple last term. 

Field was also on the three-man shortlist following his Dream Team selection back in 2022 but missed out that year to Brodie Croft during his time at Salford Red Devils. 

His pace is exciting and will always capture the imagination of fans - arguably, most of Field’s dynamic plays come defensively with the Australian really rounding out his defensive game this season, which could bode well for his hoped of being named the 2025 Man of Steel.

However, 21 assists and over 4,024 metres made in 2025 says a lot about his attacking prowess too. 

On coaching a player like Field, Wigan head coach Matt Peet told Wigan Today:  

"On Jai, people talk about talent like it’s a God-given gift, but he works very hard, he looks after his body, prepares well, studies the game, and he is out there in a game where everyone is trying to belt him, he gets plenty of punishment, high tackles and people flying into him, and I understand why teams do that too, he is very tough.

"I’m very proud of him, he saves tries, scores tries – a great kid. He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his courage.” 

Jai Field doing what Jai Field does ??#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/iVoSqLj9qC

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 30, 2025

The 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel will be crowned at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday October 7 – in the build-up to the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 11.

The Awards Night will again celebrate the inclusivity of Rugby League with the outstanding players of the Betfred Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues also recognised – with the Woman of Steel and Wheels of Steel awards – in a ceremony which also includes Betfred Championship and League One.