Wigan welcome back key playmaker as half-back named on bench with options boosted for coach Matt Peet
Matt Peet has named Jai Field in the halves for Wigan’s Magic Weekend clash against Catalans at St James’ Park.
The game will mark the Australian’s return from injury, having suffered a hamstring blow in the Round Seven Battle of the Borough clash against Leigh.
Wigan take on Steve McNamara’s Dragons in the second game of Magic Weekend.
Field, 25, had featured in every Super League game until then, scoring five tries.
He has been named in the halves alongside England international Harry Smith, with Bevan French remaining at full-back.
Meanwhile, half-back Cade Cust has been named on the bench for the tie against Catalans in Newcastle.
The 24-year-old made his return from injury against Leeds at the DW Stadium, featuring from the bench, but did not play the following week in the Challenge Cup against the Rhinos, or in the golden point extra time win over Hull KR.
Peet previously praised Cust and the way he had responded after recently being dropped from the match day squad.
“I’d say he’s responded exceptionally well”
The Wigan coach said: “I’d say he’s responded exceptionally well, not just in how he’s trained and looked after himself physically, but how he’s been around the group, how he’s warming up with the team on match days. He’s brought an intensity.
“I’m really proud of the way he’s handled himself and when he does get another crack, which he will at some point, he’s going to have earned it and that’s what we expect here.
“When you’re in the team or if you’re not, you put the team first and you add to the environment and Cade Cust has certainly done that.
“I’d add Iain Thornley to that as well.
“He had a couple of good performances for us after a long injury and then came out but he’s been a credit.”
Patrick Mago, Harvie Hill and Junior Nsemba make up the rest of the interchange bench.
Wigan: French, Miski, King, Wardle, Marshall, Field, Smith, Ellis, Powell, Byrne, Smithies, Farrell, Shorrocks. Bench: Cust, Mago, Hill, Nsemba, 18: O’Neill.
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