NRL 2023: Darren Lockyer gives seal of approval to Broncos fullback debutant Tristan Sailor

While he may not be as strong as his father yet, Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has backed Tristan Sailor to succeed in his club debut, as he returns to first grade after more than two-years.

Tristan Sailor. Picture: John Gass

One of Brisbane’s greatest fullbacks, Darren Lockyer, has backed Tristan Sailor to fire in his Broncos debut as the son of a footballing gun plays for a new contract at Red Hill.

Sailor – the son of Broncos wing legend Wendell – will answer a fullback SOS from coach Kevin Walters when he fills the void of Queensland Origin debutant Reece Walsh in Brisbane’s clash against the Warriors on Saturday.

For Sailor, it caps an emotional and turbulent past two years in which he was charged with sexual assault, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy legal process that tested his resilience.

A move to Queensland from the Dragons represented a fresh chapter and Sailor has been rewarded for his sizzling form in the Hostplus Cup with his Broncos baptism at McLean Park in Napier.

Tristan Sailor will make his Broncos debut in Round 13, with Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo both in Maroons camp. Picture: Jim O'Reilly.

Tristan’s famous father Wendell scored 110 tries from 189 games for the Broncos as the most debonair winger of his generation and Lockyer, who excelled in Brisbane’s No.1 and No.6 jumpers, says Sailor Jnr has the goods at fullback.

“I’m really pleased for Tristan,” said Lockyer, who won three Broncos premierships with Wendell Sailor in 1997-98 and 2000.

“He has a great work ethic and he went through some tough periods off the field last year, but since coming here he has been impressive in the Queensland Cup.

“Tristan is obviously sitting behind Reece Walsh and even Selwyn Cobbo at the Broncos in the fullback spot.

“Despite that, he has kept his head up and worked hard at the Magpies (feeder-club Souths Logan) and he has got himself a reward for his effort.

“I think he will do well against the Warriors.”

Darren Lockyer has praised Sailor’s work ethic and backed him to succeed in the role. Picture: Liam Kidston

Sailor, who turns 25 next month, arrived at the Broncos on a train-and-trial deal earning $1000 a week before being upgraded to a development contract.

That deal expires at season’s end, but if Sailor steps up for the Broncos during the grind of the six-week Origin period, Brisbane chiefs are open to handing him a fully-fledged NRL contract.

The Broncos have two spots left in their 30-man full-time roster and Lockyer hopes Sailor, who played five top-grade games for St George Illawarra, is not lost to an NRL rival.

“Fullback is definitely his best position,” said former Broncos skipper Lockyer.

“Tristan is a very strong runner of the ball and his football IQ is good, too.

“He talks a lot from the back and he can see things unfolding defensively.

“He is not as strong as his dad yet, but he sees the game like a five-eighth, so he is well-suited to fullback.

“I believe he is a genuine NRL quality fullback and he gets his chance this week to show the rest of the competition what he is capable of.”

Sailor is off-contract at the end of 2023 and could be playing for his future during the Origin period. Picture: Supplied.

Like his old man, Sailor has natural strength. The 85kg flyer once squatted 300kg at the Dragons and is regarded among Brisbane’s most fanatical trainers.

“Tristan is probably the fittest guy at our club, he was in pre-season,” Broncos lock Kobe Hetherington said.

“I played Queensland Cup earlier in the year with him and he is one of those guys who kills it every game.

“We saw what Tristan could do in the trials, he slotted in at fullback and did well, so we are looking forward to watching him play against the Warriors and I can’t wait to play with him.

“He is everywhere, he doesn’t stop talking from the back and he won’t let you down.

“Tristan is always there when you need him, he is a freakish athlete.”

SON OF BRONCOS LEGEND IN LINE TO MAKE DEBUT

—Peter Badel & Travis Meyn

Brisbane are poised to blood the son of a gun with Tristan Sailor in line to make his Broncos debut in Saturday night’s clash against the Warriors in New Zealand.

Reece Walsh’s call-up for the Maroons for Origin I has opened the door for Tristan – the son of Broncos wing legend Wendell Sailor – to wear the Brisbane No.1 jumper in the round 13 clash at McLean Park in Napier.

Sailor’s NRL career was in jeopardy last year when the utility back was charged with sexual assault during his stint with St George Illawarra.

But after being cleared of any wrongdoing, the 24-year-old has sought a fresh start at the Broncos and he is set to be rewarded for an outstanding pre-season by filling the Walsh void against the Warriors.

Sailor ran at fullback at Broncos training on Monday and Walsh backed his understudy to deliver as fourth-placed Brisbane (8-4) look to bounce back from three losses in four weeks.

Tristan Sailor is set to make his Broncos debut. Picture: John Gass

“Tristan is a freak,” Walsh said.

“He is a big reason why I have been doing what I’m doing at the Broncos.

“In pre-season, he was training crazy and he was pushing me to be better.

“I would love to see him get an opportunity this week to pull on a Broncos jersey and come back to first grade.

“I can’t wait to watch him run out there and it will be a special moment for his family and his dad.”

Sailor played five NRL games for the Dragons between 2019-20 and the two-time Queensland Origin under-20s utility back has impressed Broncos coach Kevin Walters with his attitude at feeder-club Souths Logan in the Hostplus Cup.

Walsh lauded Sailor’s footballing fightback after the turbulence of his off-field court battle last year.

“He has come a long way from what he has been through, it’s all through hard work and trusting his ability,” Walsh said.

“Tristan is skilful enough and he is good enough for the NRL.

Tristan and father Wendell Sailor in 1999.

“If you watch him, he is skilful on the ball and he executes plays well. He is light on his feet and he is very strong,

“He is prepared to do the hard work and he’s a tough guy, so it’s a great opportunity for him and it’s a bad thing in a way for us because other NRL clubs might try and sign him when they see how good he is.”

In pre-season, Sailor spoke of his dream to emulate his famous father by wearing Broncos colours.

“Dad won a few grand finals here and there are photos of me as a little kid with him after they won a grand final,” Tristan said.

“It’s always been in my blood. I’ve always been very fond of the Broncos.

“There’s a feeling of belonging here.

“It (playing NRL) is definitely something I’m aspiring to … if the opportunity arose I’d take it with both hands.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Darren Lockyer gives seal of approval to Broncos fullback debutant Tristan Sailor