Wigan Warriors have confirmed they will be without star full-back Jai Field for four to six weeks so we’ve assessed the options available to Matt Peet.
The Cherry and Whites will only truly be able to replace Field in respect to fielding a player at full-back given that the Wigan Warriors number one is arguably the best in his position in Super League.
What he offers cannot be replicated and that’s evidenced by the fact he has the most try contributions through three games, registering four tries and four assists. He also ranks second on tackle busts and metres made, underlining his early-season dominance.
Wigan confirmed that Field had been hospitalised due to appendicitis with the club confident of a quick recovery, however, they will be without him for at least four weeks.
Despite centre Jake Wardle being a long-term absentee and Abbas Miski still a doubt, there remain a handful of strong options for Matt Peet.
Hull KR’s nightmare, Leeds Rhinos’ dominance and possible Hull FC signings – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Who can Wigan Warriors play at full-back?
Bevan French
A standout option might be former Man of Steel Bevan French who is very accustomed to playing full-back. French played the role in for near enough the entirety of the 2020 Covid-affected season whilst he’s also started there 20 times since then, though only once last season.
It’s become widely accepted that French’s strengths are in the halves but with Jack Farrimond chomping at the bit for game time, moving French to full-back ensures a quality replacement whilst also getting a star of the future involved.
Noah Hodkinson
Another star of the future is Noah Hodkinson who would serve as a straight swap replacement at full-back, however, the 20-year-old is yet to debut in Super League and has not made a competitive appearance for Wigan.
He featured on loan at Salford earlier this year, scoring two tries, but he’s since returned to the Wigan reserves where he helped them to a 20-6 opening win of the season.
Zach Eckersley
Eckersley is another who can play full-back but it may be more difficult to accommodate him given Wigan’s other backline injuries. Eckersley has started the season on the wing so should he shift to full-back it might mean a competitive debut for former St Helens man Dayon Sambou.
Should Abbas Miski be fit to return in the coming weeks then Eckersley’s move to full-back might be more appealing as Miski is a seasoned vet on the wing.
🤕 Wigan Warriors can report that fullback Jai Field was admitted to hospital yesterday diagnosed with appendicitis and is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks.#WWRLhttps://t.co/4ynN6LXn4P
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 3, 2026
