St George Illawarra Dragon Tristan Sailor keen to write own chapter in NRL
The secret is out on what he can squat in the gym. But there’s still a lot more you don’t know about Tristan Sailor and it will surprise.
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He has inherited his father’s prowess on the footy field but it’s a love inherited from his grandmother and mother that sets St George Illawarra young gun Tristan Sailor apart in the NRL.
Off-field and out of the gym where reports he could box squat 300kg captured headlines last week, the 21-year-old speedster has a more sedate hobby - a passion for the classics.
From Ernest Hemingway to Oscar Wilde, essayists and Pulitzer Prize winners, Sailor said he devours books whenever he can.
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“I belong to a book club which I love,’’ said the Dragons youngster, who has one semester remaining of a commerce degree and can rattle off recently read books with the same ease he can name his teammates.
“I’m a big reader. I love fiction. I’m reading The Old Man and the Sea right now. I’ve read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I really like the classics but also things like In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.
“My grandma, she is a massive reader, and mum read to me all the time as a kid. I’m trying to get more of my friends to read.
“I even take a book to training for the down time instead of getting on social media. I think I read 10 or 11 books last month.’’
Sailor believes his love of fiction and decision to study in his off time from the Dragons helps him as a footballer.
“It gives me a massive balance in what I do,’’ said Sailor, one of NRL’s most promising youngsters hoping to get more first grade time in 2020 after his August debut last season.
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“I just escape into my own world. It gives you more analytical skills as well.
“I know I am a little different from most rugby league players but I don’t mind breaking the mould a little.’’
The son of dual-international and former Dragon Wendell, Sailor is a product of St George junior pathways and SG Ball and Jersey Flegg sides.
Sailor said he has learned to shrug off any associated pressure of being a son of a former big name.
“Coming through it was a goal of mine to be good. Any pressure of having a famous dad just motivated me,’’ he said. “I am pretty resilient.
“We are two such different players. I am smaller and more of a playmaker.
“He never really coached me, just helped me with the fundamentals.
“When I got signed he stepped back.’’
“He always just let me do my own thing. More important than advice he’s given me is his love of the sport.’’
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