Wigan Warriors could be set for high-profile departure

Wigan Warriors could be set for a high-profile departure as one of their key signings may be returning to the NRL.

Former St George Illawarra Dragons star Jai Field endured a tough 2021 Super League season, missing half of it through serious injuries.

The elusive playmaker tore his hamstring on his debut – which required surgery – and then injured his groin when he returned.

The difficult period in the 24-year-old’s career has left NRL clubs on red alert, according to the World Wide of Sports’ The Mole.

Field made just 11 appearances for the Dragons between 2017 and 2019, scoring one try and kicking seven goals, before a move to the Parramatta Eels in 2020 was expected to kickstart his NRL career.

He made just six appearances in 2020, scoring three tries, but played mostly from the substitutes’ bench or on the wing.

Then came the high-profile move to Wigan ahead of the 2021 Super League season, with big things expected of the livewire halfback.

However, again Field made a mere six appearances as the Warriors struggled to make the heights of 2020 when they won the League Leaders’ Shield and made it to the Grand Final.

Wigan already have Harry Smith in the halves, with new signing Cade Cust expected to take a first-team position and Tommy Leuluai playing more of a supporting role.

Plus, the Lancashire club has Bevan French at fullback and very able deputy Zak Hardaker to fill in when needs be which means there doesn’t seem to be many positions left for Field to play.