The run down on Jai Field

Jai Field plays for Parramatta during a NRL trial match against South Sydney. Photo: EELS MEDIA

Jai Field has been announced as a new member of Parramatta's 2020 squad. Here he is at a glance.

Age: 22

Height: 181cm

Weight: 85kg

Previous Club: St George Illawarra Dragons

NRL Games: 12

Position/s: Halfback, Five-eighth, Fullback, Wing

Profile: Field is a Dragons junior, coming through the ranks at the Shellharbour Sharks and playing in the Red V's NYC team in 2016. He earned his NRL debut in 2017 and played intermittently for the joint venture across 2017-2019. Released at the end of 2019 by the Dragons, Field signed a six week train and trial deal with the Eels at the start of 2020 after a move to English Super League side Leeds Rhinos fell through.

A speedy player who was reportedly the fastest man at the Dragons alongside Matt Dufty could be a useful addition to an Eels side that is lean on back up halves outside Rhys Davies. The release of Josh Hoffman also means the Eels are without a recognised backup fullback should captain Clint Gutherson be unavailable during the season, with Field's experience at the back also providing him a chance to push for being a backup option.

Being on a development contract he also has a minimal impact on the Eels salary cap and is therefore a handy pickup. The lack of Origin mid-season may mean Field's opportunities are limited purely to injuries, but having a player with a good amount of fullback experience in the lower grades while still having played first grade means he is a safer bet than an inexperienced junior or something like Blake Ferguson being shifted to the back in the event Gutherson is injured.

Replies

Wile E. Coyote May 25, 2020 at 11:28am

In terms of back- up I thought

Jai Field was being looked at as a half

Will Smith as full back

Rhys Davies as hooker

Salmon as centre

Also have

Helena as centre

Gennings and Dunster For wing
- Blue Eel > Wile E. Coyote May 25, 2020 at 11:35am
  
  When you start reading our backups names, god I hope our first stringers stay fit.
  - Wile E. Coyote > Blue Eel May 25, 2020 at 2:29pm
    
    especially if they are not getting match practice
- SuperEel 22 > Wile E. Coyote May 25, 2020 at 12:10pm
  
  I'd imagine the back up centre would be Taka.
  - Wile E. Coyote > SuperEel 22 May 25, 2020 at 2:28pm
    
    Yes - wasnt thinking of him because he has been in the 17
paul taylor May 25, 2020 at 12:22pm

I can see his value going up about 6-8 games into the season, the grind, injuries and the new rules being fully exploited. Imagine having a lightening quick option for scoots or trails around the rucks on 6 again plays. No substitute for speed and attacking tired middle forwards, Having said that, can you carry him on the bench in 14 for the ten minutes of potential game opening up cameo stuff ?
- Clintorian > paul taylor May 25, 2020 at 12:59pm
  
  That’s what I’m thinking PT. We saw the effect first hand when Papenheyzen tore us apart in the second half. I’m hoping Field provides the same level impact.
  
  Great signing, fingers crossed he performs.
- This reply was deleted.
  - Clintorian May 25, 2020 at 8:51pm
    
    Good point, the donkeys would have to be the slowest team in the comp or there abouts...
WMD May 25, 2020 at 4:31pm

We could definitely carry him in the 17 given that Guth could cover injury to Reed and Feild could slot into the 1 jersey. Could make Taka redundant.

Field, Evans, Niukora and either Peni or Oregan as the our bench offers nice balance.
MontoEel May 25, 2020 at 5:38pm

What I've seen of him on the field. Field could very well be the man we need on the field. Field on field I say!