Jai Field reveals mate Jackson Hastings' role in his Wigan Warriors move

And the Aussie speedster is now hoping he will link-up with his former schoolmate in the Warriors line-up next season.

Field, who has signed a two-year deal, knows Hastings – who is out of contract this month – and full-back Bevan French from their junior days.

He said: “I played representative touch footy with Bevvy but I’m better mates with Jacko, we come from the same area in Shellharbour and we went to the same primary school – and high school, for a while – so I’ve known him for a long time.

“I had a chat with him and Bev before I signed and they couldn’t speak highly enough about the club and how well they’re looked after, which made making the decision even easier."

Hastings is understood to have an offer from Wigan for next season and is considering his options.

“Hopefully Jackson stays, it’d be good to play alongside him again,” said Field, who has played 17 NRL games for St George Illawarra and Parramatta.

Known for his speed, Adrian Lam has already predicted he will be one of the fastest players in Super League next season.

Asked which position he prefers to play, the 23-year-old said: “Probably as a running five-eighth (stand-off), I’m not too bad on my feet and so I see myself more of a six.”

His signing will put the futures of Hastings and Thomas Leuluai under sharper focus.

Both incumbent halfbacks are out of contract at the end of this season and have spoken to Wigan about staying on.

The Warriors also have promising Harry Smith waiting in the wings.

Field, who is expected to join for the start of pre-season in January, has been watching the club’s progress closely since agreeing to the move.

“I took a bit more interest in Super League when I thought I might be going to Leeds last year, and Jacko was obviously there and it was definitely something which appealed,” he said.

“They throw the ball around a lot more and that’s how I like to play. “

The signing of Field follows the capture of John Bateman on a marquee contract for next year, while prop Brad Singleton arrived last month.

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