After an incredible performance to help Wigan Warriors lift the World Club Challenge, full-back Jai Field has confirmed that a return to the NRL is something he wants to do.
Field, who has often been called out for his defensive frailties, put in a textbook cover tackle on Taylan May to prevent the Penrith flyer from scoring and potentially winning the game for the NRL champions.
The 26-year-old full-back was also involved in Jake Wardle’s controversial try and just had a complete performance overall, as did many of Matt Peet’s side.
Just as happened with St Helens last year when they landed the upset to win the World Club Challenge, the NRL scouts are fawning over the talent pool that Wigan Warriors have and Field is no different.
The Australian has had a crack previously at the NRL but has found success in Super League, following a similar path that many young Aussies do where they gain experience in England before returning down under.
Speaking after the game on Saturday night Field has confirmed that returning down under is something that he intends to do, an ominous statement for fans of Wigan Warriors to hear.
“You want to go and do it” – Wigan Warriors man confirms NRL intentions
Field signed for the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2021 season and he has since played 61 times for the club after having played just 17 times in the NRL for St George Illawarra and Parramatta.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Field has spoken about his route to England and the possibility of a return back home to Australia.
He said: “I was at a couple of clubs where you don’t really get as much opportunities, or you get blooded as much as what other kids did that were in the same pathway as you.
“That’s why we end up over here. For me, you look at people I played before me – Blake Green, Jackson Hastings, they’ve gone over there now and gone well.”
On the prospect of an NRL return, he added: “It’s definitely still something you want to go and do. A lot of people are saying you couldn’t, but you still can.”
Saturday night more than proved that he can make his mark in the NRL as he put in a stellar performance, creating and denying opportunities in equal measure.
Field has recently signed a new contract which ties him to the club until 2027 but he’s maintained that a return home is a possibility, but potentially not on the cards until the 2026 season.
He noted: “I got this year and next year and then see what happens from there. I’ve got a few options here in my favour at Wigan after next year, but everything’s always an option.
“That’ll be five years by the end of next year. That’s a long stint.”
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