Wigan Warriors boss delivers clear verdict on Jai Field future and quashes Jack Welsby rumours
Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has delivered a clear verdict on Jai Field’s future, while quashing rumours of signing Jack Welsby
Matt Peet has dismissed speculation linking Jai Field with a move away from Wigan Warriors, while also shutting down rumours suggesting St Helens star Jack Welsby could arrive as his replacement.
Field is already contracted to the Warriors until the end of the 2027 season, with the option to extend his stay at the Brick Community Stadium by a further two years.
However, rumours surfaced online this week suggesting the Australian fullback could join the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL campaign in 2027.
The 28-year-old is currently in his sixth season at Wigan and has established himself as one of Super League’s standout players since arriving from Parramatta Eels ahead of the 2021 campaign. He has scored 92 tries in 131 appearances for the club and remains a key figure in Matt Peet’s side.
Speaking at the Dublin media event on Wednesday, Peet admitted the speculation had come completely out of the blue.
“That’s a new one to me, that’s literally the first time I’ve heard it,” he said.
“All my conversations with Jai have been that he’s here for the long haul.
“Maybe when you speak to Jai, you might get the impression that he’s more than happy here, and we’re certainly more than happy with it.”
Alongside the rumours surrounding Field’s future, social media speculation also suggested St Helens fullback Welsby could be the man to replace him at Wigan.
Peet was equally quick to dismiss that suggestion, while sharing praise for the Saints star.
“There’s just nothing in it,” he said.
“You look at our salary cap with the way it is... Jack’s an unbelievable player, he’s a player I have got a really high level of respect for, and I know Rads (Kris Radlinski, Wigan chief executive) is the same - a local lad, he’s competitive, he handles himself really well and is a leader.
“So again, we all know this thing called the salary cap exists. If it didn’t, maybe the answers would all be different on the players you ask me about, but we are well-resourced in terms of quality and players coming up, particularly in our backline, so there’s not much in that.”