Jai Field: Wakefield looking to shut down Wigan danger man

Wakefield boss Willie Poching says they have done their homework on “prolific” danger man Jai Field ahead of Sunday’s Challenge Cup showdown with Wigan.

The 24-year-old this week extended his Warriors contract until 2024 after a blistering start to the season that has seen him top the Steve Prescott Man of Steel leaderboard with nine tries.

And having won Wigan’s Player of the Month and Try of the Month awards for both February and March, it is no surprise that Field is the player who worries Wakefield the most.

“We have done a fair bit of work on Jai Field,” said Poching. “He has been prolific and has lit up our competition. Some of what he has done has been fantastic. It would be foolish of us not to have done our homework on him.

“But Tommy Leuluai is back in there too and in these games those old heads are key. He will be one to steady them and will have them focused and primed.

“Wigan have the best history in this competition and we will have to be on our best to go against some of the most talented players in our competition.

“They are very dangerous, well coached and well taught. “

Wakefield Trinity up for the Cup

Poching hopes his side’s recent good form in Super League will mean a bumper crowd at Belle Vue for a competition that means so much to so many people.

“It will be good if we can get a crowd, and pack the place,” he added.

“Even before I came here I could see momentum and support growing that hasn’t always been the case. I hope everyone turns up and we can entertain and give them a game to be proud of.

“The Cup means a lot. Like everybody else I know it’s importance. 

“I watched Wigan and Kevin Iro and Ellery Hanley so you know the history. Then you come here and see the photos on the wall and learn about Neil Fox and his great team of the 60s, then you really get an understanding of what the Cup means to the club, the supporters and the town. “

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