IF THE question mark over boom youngster Jai Field is how he would handle the demands of tackling some of the NRL’s wrecking balls, then the answer is simple.
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He already is.
After a stunning season in the under 20 competition last year, Field has been thrown in the deep end with the Dragons throughout the preseason.
While his electrifying pace and ability to bark orders at the troops around him have impressed coach Paul McGregor, it’s his willingness to take on the likes of Tyson Frizell, Russell Packer and Leeson Ah Mau which really stood out.
“They’re all in my wrestle group,” Field said with a cheeky grin after training at WIN Stadium on Wednesday.
“It’s good though, it gives you a good gauge. If you can tackle these blokes, then you can tackle anyone, they don’t hold back.”
While St George Illawarra missed out on the Auckland Nines finals, Field provided one of the highlights of the tournament with a 98-metre try against Manly on Saturday.
“I was definitely nervous, I didn’t eat properly the first day we were over there,” he said.
“Words can’t describe, to be streaking away, it was a pretty special moment to be in the clear.”
From the fringes of the NRL squad, Field is now squarely in the frame to partner captain Gareth Widdop for the the round one game against Penrith on March 4.
Josh McCrone, who has also spent time at hooker, Illawarra Cutters premiership player Shaun Nona and the versatile Kurt Mann are also in the mix.
The Shellharbour junior knows, there will be increased scrutiny from McGregor and assistants Dean Young and Ben Hornby, as well as the fan base desperate for new blood to spark their premiership hopes.
"(McGregor) hasn’t put too much expectation on me,” he said.
“He just sort of said to all four of the boys competing for that halves spot, trial form will be everything.
“I’ll just go out there and try and put my best foot forward and not leave too much expectation on myself. I’m only 19 years old, I just want to go out there and play as best as I can and if that opportunity comes, I’ll take it with both hands.”
After meeting the Tigers on Saturday night at WIN Stadium, the Dragons then play Souths in the Charity Shield in the final pre-season hit-out.
- NRL TRIAL
DRAGONS v TIGERS
Saturday (7.40pm)
WIN Stadium
NSW Premiership: Illawarra Cutters v Wyong Roos (5.45pm)
Gates open: 5.30pm
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
