NRL 2024: How Kevin Walters saved Broncos star Tristan Sailor’s career

Wendell Sailor has revealed how Brisbane coach Kevin Walters saved his son Tristan from quitting the NRL after an arduous two-year fight to clear his name.

Tristan Sailor. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Wendell Sailor has revealed how Brisbane coach Kevin Walters saved his son Tristan from quitting the NRL and leaving Australia, instead urging him to be part of his ‘Kev-olution’ at the Broncos.

Broncos club legend Sailor has opened up about his son’s off-field torment and glorious Red Hill resurrection ahead of Tristan’s blockbuster clash with the Storm on Thursday night at AAMI Park.

The 25-year-old Dragons discard has become a crucial member of Brisbane’s full-time squad, superbly filling the fullback void in last week’s 38-12 rout of the Cowboys in the absence of injured superstar Reece Walsh.

But Wendell says his son could have easily been lost to the NRL, with Tristan initially planning to flee overseas following two years of legal hell as he fought to clear his name against sexual-assault allegations in 2020.

Tristan Sailor soars above the pack for this grab in the Broncos’ win against the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

Sailor Jr was ultimately acquitted and Wendell paid tribute to his former premiership teammate Walters for issuing the lifeline that has since given the Broncos crucial match-winning insurance to cover for Walsh.

“To Kevvie’s credit and the Broncos coaching staff, they have unlocked Tristan’s potential,” said Wendell, the 189-game Broncos wing great.

“Kevvie has been outstanding for him. He understands the culture of the Broncos and Kev has let Tristan be himself and play his way.

“If it wasn’t for Kevvie, who knows where Tristan would be.

“He was playing Queensland Cup and kicking a football with Jordan Pereira (Souths Logan teammate) just casually and Kevvie drove past and saw him.

“Kevvie said, ‘I’ve been watching your highlights for Souths Logan, would you be keen for a train-and-trial contract’.

Kevin Walters and Wendell Sailor won the 2000 NRL Grand Final together. Now, Wendell credits Walters with saving son Tristan’s NRL career. Picture: David Kapernick

“He got the Broncos contract on his own. It wasn’t a case of a leg-up from a famous father.

“Tristan has done the hard yards and I’ve never seen him happier in life than he is right now at the Broncos.

“That’s showing in his football and I’m not surprised by his form at all filling in for Reece Walsh ... because his football IQ is outstanding, it’s better than anything I ever had.”

Sailor detailed how close Tristan came to heading abroad to start a new life of anonymity in Europe after his emotional and costly legal battle.

“Only his closest family understands what he went through a few years ago,” Sailor said.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of Tristan, I have shed tears at times at the journey he has gone through.

“To see where my son was three years ago, the hole he was in, and where he is now, I can’t thank the Broncos and Kevvie enough for saving his career.

“After he went through the court case, he said, ‘Dad, I want to get out of here, I want to go overseas and start again’.

Tristan Sailor is proving a key member of Brisbane’s squad. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“The pressure and media speculation Tristan copped, he wanted to get away from it all.

“I said, ‘Mate, don’t give up yet’. He was disillusioned here in Australia, but I knew he had unfinished business with the NRL.

“I suggested he go to Queensland for a fresh start, he needed to get away from Wollongong and Sydney and have a new beginning.

“He needed a haven. He needed to feel safe somewhere. Souths Logan were the first club to give him a chance and it just so happened they were a feeder club to the Broncos, so Tristan jumped at it and I can’t be prouder of his attitude in taking his chance.

“I always knew Tristan could do well in the NRL. What he has been through, I couldn’t have fought back the way he has.

“What blows me away is there is no resentment or anger in him. He has let all the bitterness go and just played football.

“All he talks about is gratitude and that’s evident in the way he is playing at the Broncos.”

Sailor plays just his 11th NRL game against the Storm, but he operates like a man who has played 100. Walters lauded his composure at the back and willingness to fit into Brisbane’s system.

“He’s been very good for us,” Walters said.

“He’s a very smart footballer.

“He’s different to Reece and brings a different mentality.

“But particularly with our defence, I think he’s really made that a lot better last week and he’ll have to be good with his organisation (against Melbourne).

“He’s just a footy player and the good teams need those players on their side.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: How Kevin Walters saved Broncos star Tristan Sailor’s career