NRL 2024: New Tristan Sailor role could shake up Brisbane Broncos 17
Just last month, Broncos utility Tristan Sailor wanted out of Red Hill after accepting a lucrative Super League deal. Now the son of Wendell is banging down the door for a round 1 start.
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Tristan Sailor says he rejected a Super League deal because he has unfinished business at the Broncos, declaring he and Reece Walsh can be Brisbane’s dynamic duo in Las Vegas.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is considering deploying Sailor in a super-sub utility role in Round 1 after watching the son of Wendell carve up Wynnum Manly in Saturday night’s 26-16 trial win at Kougari Oval.
In wet conditions, the trial was a scrappy affair and Brisbane were headed for a shock loss before Sailor saved the Broncos with two try assists and a scorching 40-metre solo try to snatch victory.
It was a performance that convinced Walters he cannot let Sailor languish behind Walsh in second-tier football and suddenly the prospect of both combining against the Roosters in Vegas on March 3 is real.
Sailor’s class is precisely why English side Leigh attempted a recent poaching bid, only for the Broncos to block the proposed transfer deal.
Sailor is mindful of Brisbane’s lifeline following his off-field ordeal at former club the Dragons and the 25-year-old, contracted until the end of 2025, believes he can help the Broncos snap an 18-year title drought.
Breaking his silence on the Leopards’ failed Super League raid, Sailor said he was happy to honour his Broncos deal.
“The option was definitely there to go to Super League,” he said.
“I’ve seen people with the same attributes as me really go well in that game in England, so it was an option, but I have a contract with the Broncos.
“I hope to crack that 17 somehow. I just have to keep working hard and see where I can fit in.”
Sailor played four NRL games for the Broncos last season and in those matches, Walsh’s understudy showed he belongs in the big league and is a class above the Hostplus Cup.
That was reinforced at Kougari. After sitting on the bench for 25 minutes, Sailor ignited the Broncos. He set up two tries, one from a sublime long ball and one from a cross kick, before showing the footwork of his legendary father to slice through the Seagulls in the dying minutes.
Hooker Tyson Smoothy was Brisbane’s No.14 utility in last year’s NRL grand final, but Walters admits the prospect of having Sailor’s roaming brilliance off the bench to complement Walsh for the 2024 premiership opener has appeal.
“It was very important to keep Tristan at our club,” Walters said of the English Super League threat.
“He covers so many positions and we want to give him opportunities.
“Even if Reece is playing fullback ... if Tristan keeps developing like this, he will force himself into the side somewhere.”
The humble Sailor played down his man-of-the-match magic against the Seagulls, but is adamant he won’t let Walters down if handed the No.14 jumper for Brisbane’s historic clash in Sin City.
“I would definitely love to play that super-sub role,” he said.
“With the game being as fast as it is, the utility role is becoming pretty big. That’s why I am pushing myself to play a few positions, so I’m comfortable across them all.
“I want to solidify my defence in case I have to go into the middle.
“Being in the 17, no matter where it is, is my goal for sure.
“Personally, it (his Seagulls showing) wasn’t too bad. I had a few try involvements, but I had a few errors too, so I’m looking to fix those up before round one.”
After struggling to cement a spot at the Dragons, Sailor says his game has gone to another level with the help of Walsh, skipper Adam Reynolds and former Broncos fullback Darius Boyd, who has taken on a mentoring role.
Sailor also praised the support of coach Walters, who refuses to shackle one of the code’s most improved players.
“Being under ‘Kevvie’, I feel like I can express myself, it’s been good for my confidence,” he said.
“Kev really puts that into the boys, to be yourself and that’s why you see guys like ‘Walshy’ and Ezra go so well, they are just themselves, there is no restraints on any of us which is good.
“I would love to play with Walshy. He is one of the best blokes you will meet.
“Despite being so young, he is wise for his age. He is always eager to learn and Walshy and myself are going through that learning together with ‘Reyno’ and Darius Boyd.
“They are the biggest mentors for us. ‘Darbs’ works with us all the time and still being current, having just retired from the game as a fullback, he imparts a lot of wisdom which has been great for us.”
Originally published as NRL 2024: New Tristan Sailor role could shake up Brisbane Broncos 17
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