SHELLHARBOUR’S Jai Field has emerged as a shock front-runner to partner Gareth Widdop in the halves, with Dragons fans to have their first look at his electrifying speed at the Auckland Nines.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Field has been a standout during the preseason, to move from fringe squad member to genuine contender to make his NRL debut in round one, against Penrith at Kogarah on March 4.
Experienced teammate Tariq Sims offered his praises of Field, declaring he could be the spark the Dragons need to be a finals force this year.
“He’s got a pretty extraordinary opportunity,” Sims said. “The way he plays, he’s so elusive.
“He’s just got to make sure he stays on top of his body weight, as his body shape is adjusting to cope with the physical side of first grade, week in, week out.
“Just his leadership, from day one of preseason, he’s not afraid to pipe up and tell you where to go, which is definitely one of the most important parts of the role.”
The halfback selection is the biggest decision coach Paul McGregor will make for round one, after Benji Marshall left the club and Drew Hutchison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury when he had a clear path to becoming his replacement.
The versatile Kurt Mann, experienced Josh McCrone and talented Shaun Nona remain in contention, but Dragons teammates admit being stunned by Field’s development as a player.
Field was the quickest player in the squad over 40 metres during testing and Group Seven and Shellharbour players and supporters will know about his electrifying ability all too well.
“It’s ridiculous how fast he is,” prop Paul Vaughan, recruited from the Raiders, said.
“He’s 75-80 kilograms, he’s a quick as the wind and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
After playing with the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team, Field went on to be the National Youth Cup player of the year runner-up in a Dragons team which made it to the preliminary final last season.
The Dragons meet Parramatta in their first Auckland Nines game at 12.25pm on Saturday, before playing Manly and the Warriors.
It’s ridiculous how fast he is.
- Paul Vaughan on Jai Field
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.
