Jai Field backed as Wigan care for French

Australian utility back Jai Field is going to have the first crack at fullback for Wigan in the 2022 Super League season in the absence of his compatriot Bevan French, coach Matt Peet has confirmed.

The 24-year-old Field, who played in the NRL for St George Illawarra and Parramatta, tore a hamstring on his Wigan debut last March and went on to make just three other appearances in his first season in England.

But Peet said at the season launch at St Helens that though French will next week return from Australia, where he has been on compassionate leave following the death of his mother, he won't be rushed back into action.

"It will be tempting to do that but we'd like to stick with the plan we have for him," Peet said.

"I've spoken with him a couple of times this week and he's back next week.

"We're pleased and excited about that but we're looking forward to putting our arm around him and supporting him because he's still coming out of a terrible period of his life.

"We'll do the physical work with Bevan in the next month or so but I think a lot of it will be about supporting him in his grieving, looking after him emotionally as well as physically.

"It's important we give him a pre-season and don't rush him back so that, when he is fit to play, he can hit the ground running."

Peet had the option of switching Zak Hardaker from centre to his old role but Field caught the eye at fullback in last week's friendly against Warrington and will get the nod to face Hull KR in next Friday's opening league match.

"I was really pleased for him because he turned his back on a trip home to see his family over Christmas," Peet said.

"After 12 months here and not playing because of his hamstring tear, that showed real determination from