From hurting his hamstring 20 minutes into his Warriors debut, which ruled him out for five months, to watching his side get eliminated from contention by Leeds 8-nil in the semi-final, after picking up a subsequent groin injury - Field acknowledges how tough the 2021 campaign was.

"Getting hurt in my first game for the club wasn't an ideal way for me to start, especially as it led to me being sidelined for 18 weeks," said Field, who admits the biggest difference between the NRL and Super League is the speed of the game being much faster in Australia.

"It's never fun watching your teammates lose, while you're on the sidelines, especially in the fashion we did last year, as we knew how talented that group was.

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"But it's made me a stronger person because of the adversity I've had to face, which should hold me in good stead in the coming years.

"Being the age I am (24), the goal was always to play well over there, prove myself and try and work my way back to the NRL.

"Obviously, that didn't happen after year one because of the injuries but I'm more determined than ever to try and make that a reality.

"That's a long-term goal though and first and foremost, I'm been ripping into my own pre-season work to ensure I have the best season possible for Wigan in 2022."

That goal of returning to Australia isn't a pipe-dream either, with Warriors teammate and 2019 man of steel Jackson Hastings penning a deal with the Wests Tigers from 2022 - after four strong seasons abroad.

"Jacko and Blake Green are great examples of how perseverance can pay off," the Group Seven junior said.

"Blake bounced around a couple of clubs earlier in his career before heading over to England and winning a competition with Wigan and man of the match in the grand final.

"That spring-boarded his career as everyone has seen how successful he was when he returned to the NRL.

"Jacko has followed his Blake footsteps since then and I'm determined to be the next player to replicate their success overseas before returning to the NRL.

"Having the chance to play and train with Jacko last year showed me first hand what is required to play at that level, week in, week out and if I can do that and stay injury free, it'll go a long way to helping me return to Australia."

As such, Field will be expected to take on greater playmaking responsibilities for the Warriors, who recently announced Matty Peet as their new coach.

"Whenever a new coach comes into a club, every player is out to prove they belong in that 17-man squad and this is no different," the former St George Illawarra Dragon and Parramatta Eel said.

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"No doubt Matty will bring in some fresh new ideas for us, which I'm excited to be a part of, especially as I'll likely take on a larger role with Jacko coming back to Australia.

"I'm keen to get a full pre-season in under my belt, alongside fullback Bevan French and fellow half Thomas Leuluai - which is shaping up as a potent spine for us heading into next season."

The 24-year-old, who is currently on a quick trip back to the South Coast, will return to the United Kingdom this weekend, to start preparations for the 2022 season.

"I originally wasn't slated to come back, so I've enjoyed every minute of coming home for this quick trip," he said.

"It's given me a chance to freshen up ahead what is shaping up as a massive year for me and the club."

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