Wendell Sailor retires from Triple M 'effective immediately' in shock move

Dual football international Wendell Sailor has dropped a bombshell, two months after announcing he was scaling back his radio commitments.

Wendell Sailor has "retired" from Triple M. Photo: Instagram and Getty Images

Rugby league great Wendell Sailor has announced his retirement from Triple M “effective immediately”.

Sailor has been a popular commentator and broadcaster on the Sydney drive show The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell, alongside Gus Worland and Swan legend Jude Bolton.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

The dual rugby league, rugby union international has been a key member of the network’s commentary team since 2015.

But Sailor recently announced he would be stepping back from his live broadcasting commitments at the end of the season but would continue on The Rush Hour.

However, having turned 50 earlier in the week, Sailor revealed he would leave the network altogether.

“I have made the decision to step back from my professional commitments with Triple M, which is effective immediately,” Sailor said via a statement.

“My primary focus now is dedicating more time to my children and pursuing grassroots interests.

“I am deeply grateful for SCA’s understanding and support of my decision. Balancing my career with family life is my priority, particularly as I celebrate my 50th birthday this week.

“Triple M has been an integral part of my professional journey. I have forged lifelong friendships and cherished every moment commenting on NRL matches and hosting The Rush Hour.

 “I am thankful for the encouragement I have received and am eager for my next chapter, to concentrate on family, as well as interests such as golf and corporate opportunities.”

Wendell Sailor has announced he's leaving Triple M. Photo: Instagram

Sailor for the Wallabies in 2003. Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Southern Cross Austereo chief content officer Dave Cameron praised the decision.

“SCA supports Wendell’s decision to step away from The Rush Hour and the Triple M NRL commentary team to spend more time with his family,” Cameron said.

“Wendell has forged a wonderful media career since joining Triple M in 2015 and we wish him well. We will always consider Wendell a member of the Triple M family.”

The network announced a new member of The Rush Hour show soon.

The announcement comes after Sailor told The Courier Mail in May “I’m not calling any more football after this year, I’m having a break from commentating.”

He added he was “going to go and support my kids”.

He revealed a discussion with his former coach Wayne Bennett helped him come to the decision.

“I spoke to Wayne and he has been really good for me,” he said.

“He said ‘Del, when you were at your best, what were you doing?’ I said just being around people, doing the corporate stuff with you.

“I’m going to get back to doing corporate stuff, playing golf and supporting Tristan and my daughter.

“I am 50 next year and my son and daughter need me around, so next year I will have a break from calling footy.”

Sailor and Bennett after the 1997 Super League Grand Final. Photo by Getty Images

Sailor was one of the NRL’s most damaging wingers early in his career, tallying 17 games for Queensland, 22 matches for the Kangaroos and 189 games for the Brisbane Broncos.

He then crossed codes, playing 37 Tests for the Wallabies, before a drug ban for testing positive to cocaine ended his time in rugby union.

After a two-year ban, Sailor returned to rugby league, ending his career with the Dragons.

However, he was critical of the club in April as he opened up about the “disgusting” treatment of son Tristan, who was unceremoniously dumped by the club at the end of the 2020 season after just five games for the team.

A fortnight later, Sailor was charged with sexual assault, but was found not guilty in 2022.

It saw Sailor attempt to rebuild his life and rugby league career, making a move to Brisbane.

Originally published as Wendell Sailor retires from Triple M 'effective immediately' in shock move