Wigan Warriors suffer crucial Jai Field setback as star man undergoes surgery
Jai Field in action for Wigan Warriors in 2026
Wigan Warriors will be without star full-back Jai Field for at least four weeks, with the Australian going to hospital with appendicitis.
Field has started the 2026 season in red-hot form, scoring five tries in his first three outings of the campaign, but will now spend the next four to six weeks on the sidelines after having surgery yesterday (Monday, 2nd March) on the issue.
This will come as unwelcome news to head coach Matt Peet, who is also without star centre Jake Wardle for the next three months through a knee injury.
Jai Field set for spell on sidelines after appendicitis scare
In a statement, Wigan said: “Wigan Warriors can report that fullback Jai Field was admitted to hospital yesterday and was diagnosed with appendicitis.
“The 28-year-old underwent surgery yesterday afternoon and is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks.
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“We are confident that Jai will make a full and speedy recovery and our thoughts and best wishes are with him at this time.
His injury now leaves Peet with a major headache at full-back for the next block of fixtures, with Field set to miss their clashes against Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Huddersfield Giants.
Bevan French is certainly an option to shift back as cover, given his previous experience at full-back, while also allowing Jack Farrimond to get some consistent minutes at half-back for the Warriors. Zach Eckersley is also a possible candidate to shift across, which would also potentially see off-season arrival Dayon Sambou come into the starting side for his Warriors debut on the wing.
The timeframe of Field’s recovery does suggest he could be back fit for their Good Friday meeting with St Helens; however, if it is the longer six-week absence, then he will make his return against Castleford Tigers.
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