Jai Field will officially become Parramatta Eels player #806 when he runs out on Bankwest Stadium on Friday night against the North Queensland Cowboys.
He will have big shoes to fill, when he pulls on the number seven jersey replacing Mitch Moses, but in the 22-year-old Brad Arthur trusts.
"We wanted to name him straight away in the seven jersey and show that we believe in him," Arthur said.
"We wanted to make our changes as minimal as possible and allow everyone else to do their job.
"He couldn't come into the team at a better time for himself.
Field has 11 NRL game under his belt, after spending four seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
He joined the Eels development squad earlier this year and Friday will present his biggest challenge in the Blue & Gold.
"He's worked really hard at training, the boys struggle at times defending him because of his pace," Arthur said.
"He's got very good speed and hopefully we get some opportunities where he can show that."
Gutho and Field honoured in jersey presentation
Field joins young gun Dylan Brown in the halves, who has shown composure and maturity beyond his years.
“He’s been starting to step up,” Arthur said.
“He had that opportunity when Mitchell went down for a couple of weeks in training and I reckon that has helped his performance over the last four weeks.
“We don’t want anyone to change how they’re playing, in particular Dylan,” Arthur said.
The injured Mitch Moses presented Field with this jersey during a presentation at Captain’s Run on Thursday morning.
He welcomed his replacement with open arms.
“You just need to come in and do your job. The boys will help you out,” Moses told Field.
“You fit right into the club since you’ve come here and all the boys love you.
“You don’t need to do anything special, just go out and do your job.”
Round Eight will be a big occasion for the Eels, with Captain Clint Gutherson also playing his 100th NRL game.
