More to come from Jai Field says Wigan boss
Wigan coach Matt Peet expects even more from full-back Jai Field after his hat-trick helped his side to a 36-6 victory over Wakefield in the Challenge Cup.
Field, the front runner for Man of Steel after scoring nine tries in the first seven rounds of Super League, opened and closed the scoring in the quarter-final at Belle Vue as he completed a second treble of the season.
The 24-year-old Australian pledged his future to the Warriors by signing a new two-year contract in the week and Peet says he expects him to get even better in that time.
Wigan boss on Jai Field
“Obviously his pace makes him a stand out but he’s an intelligent player,” Peet said.
“He shows anticipation and work ethic to turn up in a lot of areas where you wouldn’t expect him which means he does a lot of things that go unnoticed.
“We’ve had great support players at this club in the past – Shaun Edwards springs to mind – and it’s about intuition and instinct and desire. He wants to be in the picture.
“There’s certainly more in him as far as combination and getting used to the competition and his team-mates is concerned. It’s his first proper season and he’s growing all the time.
“He works very hard physically. He’s got a slight build but he’s growing in strength and works hard on his physique.”
Peet: ‘It was far from easy’
Zak Hardaker, Liam Farrell and Ethan Havard were also among the tries as Wigan ran away with the game after leading only 12-6 at the break.
“It was far from easy,” Peet added. “We knew we wouldn’t have it all our own way. Wakefield are a team who can test you at any point.
“I was happy with our desire to defend our line and cover for one another. I think that’s what got us the result in the end, combined with flashes of brilliance.”
Wigan’s reward is a semi-final against St Helens at Elland Road on May 7 but first the two meet in a Super League derby on Good Friday.
“It’s an exciting game to look ahead to,” Peet said. “Any tie involving Wigan and Saints is a blockbuster.
“It’s hard to look at that when we’ve got them on Friday. But, if we are going to win a trophy, we are going to have to beat St Helens.”
Challenge Cup: Semi-finals draw made
PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022