NRL return on the cards if Jai has a field day in Vegas

Wigan speed demon Jai Field admits finishing his career in the NRL has an appeal - and that Vegas is the perfect shop window.

Born in Forbes, 27-year-old Field still calls Shellharbour home and is weighing up his future as he enters the final year of his contract, preparing to cross the Atlantic for the March 1 encounter with Warrington at Allegiant Stadium.

Since heading to the Brick Community Stadium in 2021, the fleet-footed former St George Illawarra and Parramatta star has been one of the top handful of players in Super League, averaging better than a try every second game. 

“I'm not too sure really - I've only got this year left and then we'll see what happens after that but I'm open to anything,” Field tells jetwinvip.com as Wigan prepare to take on Oldham this Sunday in their first match of the year. “My partner's Australian as well.

"If something came up to go home you'd obviously think about it but... you'd be leaving here as well, which is a great club.

"You've got to weigh things up when the time comes I guess."

Field said March 1 was "potentially for sure" an opportunity to impress recruiters back home.

"Every time you go out, you've got to put your best foot forward," he said.

Another handy fullback who plied his trade in Wollongong and Parramatta, now agent David Riolo, is representing Field as he waits for offers.

It’s worth remembering that 12 months ago Field’s partner in chime, Bevan French, was making similar noises about a possible return to the NRL but ended up re-signing with Wigan for four years.

Field, who in 2022 was Wigan's player of the year, the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association player of the year, his club's players' player and a member of the Super League Dream Team, says the only time he thinks about Vegas now is when he is asked about the trip.

He added: “There’s still a lot of training and two games to be played before you start getting really excited about it. 

"Any time you get to be on an NRL schedule, it’s a big occasion. It’s good for the English game and us Australians who have come out of that competition. Once you get there you’ll definitely be excited and look forward to it then.

“My family’s coming over and a couple of mates, as well, are jumping on the back of it.”

It would surprise if Field plays on Sunday in the pre-season clash with Oldham, although England international Tyler Dupree - who revived his career at that club - is keen to have a run.

Sam Walters, Jack Farrimond and Zach Eckersley are among the other Wiganers set to be given a chance to push for a plane ticket.

Having just returned from his Christmas break at home, Field has been busy re-acclimatising.

“I left Sydney and it was about 30 degrees, coming back here to the snow now,” he said.

“Some people don’t touch the ball since we finished last year so you’re just trying to pick up your skill quickly. 

“We’ve had the same squad now for three or four years so we have that continuity already. It makes it easier. You come back and you just jump straight in to where you left off."

And there will be no trouble 'climbing Everest' again for a team that won every trophy on offer last year, according to Field.

“I think it’s a different challenge," he reasoned. "The previous years we were the ones who were chasing after it. This year people are going to be coming after us, the top teams. Everyone wants to knock you off so you get the best version of everyone, every time you play them. Everyone wants to test themselves against us.

"We're getting hunted. Your preparation has to be right."