Australian Jai Field, who's been the Super League's stand-out player this season, has signed a new deal with Britain's biggest club Wigan.
The former Parramatta and St George Illawarra back has signed another two-year deal with the Warriors, with the option of a third year, which will see him through to at least the end of the 2024 season.
The 24-year-old from Wollongong had a calamitous time in his debut Super League season last year with injuries.
Yet he's been flying as Wigan's fullback this term, after grabbing his chance when his star Aussie teammate Bevan French was back home on compassionate leave following the death of his mother.
"Rugby is a funny game. You can be at two ends of the spectrum really quickly," said Field, reckoning it was an "easy decision" to extend his contract even though he seemed bound to attract interest from NRL clubs.
"Last year we all know what happened but it's pleasing to have the start I've had so far.
"I had a great pre-season, got my body right ... I've hit the ground running and it's definitely pleasing to have started the season in that way."
Field is leading the race to win the Man of Steel, the annual award to find the best player in the British and European game, by a clear margin.
He's tallied 15 points from the opening seven rounds of matches to lead by a clear five points from his nearest challenger, former Newcastle Knights forward Sione Mata'utia, who's been shining for St Helens.
Champions Saints are currently joint top of the league with their great local rivals Wigan, who've been powered by Field's breathtaking running, including his hat-trick against Leeds Rhinos on the second weekend.
He tops the list for clean breaks (12) and metres gained (1,126) in the Super League and has won four man-of-the-match awards in Wigan's opening eight games in all competitions.
"It is clear for everybody to see just what an impact that Jai has had on Super League this season," Wigan executive director and former GB star Kris Radlinski said.
"He has worked so hard to recover from a serious injury. He is a player who puts you on the edge of your seat when he gets the ball. His highlight reel after seven rounds is incredible.
"His contract extension is a major boost for the Club and a major boost for Super League."
