Are Jake Connor and Jai Field ready to tackle the NRL?

Former State of Origin half-back Jamie Soward believes Super League stars Jai Field and Jake Connor would take their games to another level in the NRL.

Field, 24, made his debut for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2017. He went on to make 11 appearances before joining Parramatta Eels in 2020. The talented full-back made the switch to England with Wigan in 2021, initially on a two-year deal. He signed a new two-year deal with the club earlier this year, with the option of a third.

The speedster is having an impressive season in 2022 after injuries limited his game time in his debut year with the club. He currently leads the way in the Man of Steel leaderboard. Field has also scored the most tries in Super League so far with 14.

Connor, 27, impressed former NRL playmaker Soward when England defeated New Zealand 36-18 in Denver in 2018. The Hull man scored a try on that day, and Soward believes he should have made the switch to the NRL.

Soward on Jai Field and Jake Connor

Speaking on the latest Love Rugby League podcast, Soward was asked who he thinks could make the switch to the NRL from Super League.

He responded: “I’ll be interested to see Jai Field, where he lands. I feel like the game right now is made for Jai.

“I think the game is so open for him. We’re seeing guys like Reece Walsh and those guys get opportunities where they can.

“If he worked on his game a little bit, toughness wise.”

Soward continued: “There’s a full-back at Hull; Jake Connor, I thought he was a seven or a six.

“I watched him play for England against New Zealand in Denver. The wraps on him there.

“I’ve been watching him since then and I’m not too sure how old he is now. But, I feel like every year he waits not to come over is a wasted opportunity.”

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