Jai Field has absolutely lit up Super League in 2022.
After a less-than successful 2021 where his Wigan Warriors game time was severely limited due to injury, Field hit the ground running this campaign, becoming one of the most talked-about stars in the competition.
But, he may never have been seen in a Cherry and White jersey if Leeds Rhinos and Richard Agar had got their way a few years back.
“It was quite close (to signing for Leeds),” Field told the Daily Mirror.
“We’d pretty much agreed to the terms. I knew the Leeds boss Rich Agar from when he was at Dragons.
“He was trying to get me over and it was just down to some logistical things. They didn’t happen in time and that fell through so that’s how I ended up at Parramatta (in 2020).”
Field doesn’t regret the decision whatsoever considering the grounding that Parramatta gave him.
“But I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason. Obviously, Leeds didn’t happen. But it opened up the opportunity to play for Parra’. That was one of my best decisions as I really developed there and I’m thankful for that.
“I’ve wound up at Wigan and I’m loving it here. It’s all fallen into place. It can be a funny game rugby league.”
Field has scored 12 tries in nine games so far in 2022, with his Wigan side taking on St Helens in the traditional Good Friday derby in two days’ time.