Jai Field to get chance at full-back for Wigan

Wigan utility back Jai Field will get a chance to cement a spot at full-back in the absence of Bevan French.

Field had a disrupted first season over in the UK, having spent five months out with a torn hamstring. He picked up the injury during his debut against Leigh.

As a result, Field only made three further appearances for the Warriors in 2021. He played in pre-season against Warrington, and scored two tries and a conversion as Wigan won 14-6.

Head Coach Matt Peet also confirmed French will be back in the country next week. He has been over in Australia since May, at first to recover from a season-ending hamstring injury. He was then on compassionate leave following the death of his mother.

Peet said on Field:”I was really pleased for him because he turned his back on a trip home to see his family over Christmas.

“After 12 months here and not playing because of his hamstring tear, that showed real determination from him. Hopefully he’ll get his reward.

“He’s an exciting player, the kind of player people will pay to watch. He brings a lot to us in terms of an attacking threat.”

Bevan French will not be rushed back for Wigan

Meanwhile, whilst confirming the news about French, Peet also confirmed he would not be rushed back into action and would have his own pre-season.

He added: “I’ve spoken with him a couple of times this week and he’s back next week.

“We’re pleased and excited about that. But we’re looking forward to putting our arm around him and supporting him because he’s still coming out of a terrible period of his life.

“We’ll do the physical work with Bevan in the next month or so. But I think a lot of it will be about supporting him in his grieving, looking after him emotionally as well as physically.

“It’s important we give him a pre-season and don’t rush him back. So when he is fit to play, he can hit the ground running.”

Read More: Bevan French to return to Wigan Warriors next week