NRL signings news 2023: Tristan Sailor set to sign with Brisbane Broncos
The son of Brisbane Broncos legend is edging towards securing a full-time NRL club after being stood down under the game’s ‘No Fault Stand Down’ policy in 2020.
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The son of Broncos legend Wendell Sailor is on the verge of following in his father’s footsteps after making a blistering start to his stint at Red Hill.
Sailor, 24, has not played in the NRL since 2020 after being stood down under the game’s ‘No Fault Stand Down’ policy while contracted to the Dragons as he fought sexual assault charges.
He was acquitted of the charges last March and moved to Queensland to revive his career, playing the back end of the Hostplus Cup season with Souths Logan.
The Broncos offered Sailor a train-and-trial contract for the 2023 NRL pre-season and he has rewarded their faith, impressing coach Kevin Walters by hitting the ground running.
With the Broncos releasing Tesi Niu to the Dolphins, a spot has opened up in Brisbane’s backline rotation and Sailor has bolted into the frame for a top 30 or development list contract.
The Broncos have been ultra-impressed by Sailor, who is not only a gifted talent but also regarded as an intelligent figure in the dressing room.
A Kangaroos and Maroons representative, Wendell Sailor scored 110 tries in 189 games for the Broncos before switching codes to become a dual-international with the Wallabies.
Now, after a turbulent start to his career, Tristan has the opportunity to add to his tally of five NRL games if he can impress in next month’s pre-season trials when the utility likely plays fullback.
Broncos centre-winger Delouise Hoeter spent seven years out of the NRL before returning last season and said Sailor could emulate his comeback.
“He is younger than I am and has been out for less, there’s no reason he can’t do it and get back,” he said.
“I’m confident he has the ability to do that. We have some really good guys at fullback but he can also play in the halves as well. He is very versatile.
“He is a good talent and the thing about Tristan is you know what you’re going to get out of him at every training session. He competes and isn’t scared about backing himself.
“The way he trains…you can really see that he’s been working in the background over the last couple of years. Props to him and his family.
“When life gets hard, it’s hard to get motivated to train and stuff like that. But you can see the hard work he’s put in before this point.
“He is really skilful and not scared about backing himself when it comes to attack. He isn’t scared to throw a pass that could come off.
“He doesn’t get too caught up in the mistakes and stuff, he just tries to improve.”
Sailor looked sharp in attack as the Broncos trained at Red Hill on Thursday morning, producing a number of eye-catching plays.
The Broncos have spots to fill in their roster before the NRL season kicks off and Sailor’s versatility could see him secure a full-time deal.
A number of players have resurrected their NRL careers in Brisbane in recent years, including Hoeter who made his debut for the Tigers in 2015 and didn’t play again until last year.
Hoeter, 28, delayed shoulder surgery to finish the 2022 season with the Broncos and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension.
“I’m very thankful for the club because they knew I needed surgery at the end of the year and were still happy to give me a two-year extension,” he said.
“It was a big accomplishment to come back after seven years and play one NRL game. That was enough for me.
“But now I want to push Kotoni (Staggs), Herbie (Farnworth) and the outside backs to play consistently and for a spot myself. We’ve got really good competition here which makes it good for us.”
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Originally published as NRL signings news 2023: Tristan Sailor set to sign with Brisbane Broncos