Son of legend Tristan Sailor’s ‘unbelievable’ Broncos debut stuns

Wendell Sailor had a tear in the eye when talking about his son Tristan’s Broncos debut and Sailor Jr. has not disappointed.

Brisbane Broncos Vs Wynnum Manly pre season match at Wynnum – Broncos Tristan Sailor Picture Jim O'Reilly

A Sailor starring in a Broncos jersey — it just seems right.

It’s been 22-years since Wendell Sailor last played for the Brisbane Broncos but his son Tristan has had a wonderful club debut for the side.

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After playing five matches for the St George Illawarra Dragons, Sailor Jr. was released by the club in 2020.

His life was then turned upside down after he was arrested and charged — and ultimately found not guilty on all charges — of aggravated sexual assault.

After two years in limbo, Sailor found a new home with the Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup and was offered a train and trial contract for the 2023 NRL season.

And it looks like he never left.

The 24-year-old was a clear stand out in the Broncos 26-22 win in front of a wild crowd in Napier against the New Zealand Warriors.

Tristan Sailor had a dream debut for the Broncos. Picture: Brisbane Broncos

Coming into a Broncos side missing the likes of Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Flegler, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas on Origin duty, Sailor filled in for the red hot form of Walsh at fullback with an outstanding club debut.

Sailor made 16 runs for 131m including 41 post contact metres, and set up what was the match winning try for Deine Mariner with a deft grubber in the 71st minute.

But he also pulled off one of the try savers of the season to deny Rocco Berry.

WAIT... we need a look at the replay on this one.

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At halftime, Fox League’s Cooper Cronk said: “That is one of the best try-savers we have seen this year.

“The Warriors could have scored 400 tries in the first half. They had that many disallowed.

“Tristan Sailor had one. Ezra Mam had another brilliant attempt.

“But the Sailor one sums up the Broncos’ defence. That was a terrific effort.”

What a performance from Sailor. Photo: Fox Sports

After setting up the Mariner try, Steve Roach said Sailor had been “unbelievable”.

“He couldn’t have done any more,” Roach said. “The confidence to put the grubber in. Great play from the young fella. Good to see him back.”

Social media was impressed by the performance as well.

Fox Sports’ Dane Lillingstone posted: “When I first started supporting the Broncos Wendell Sailor was my favourite player. Pretty special to watch Tristan now do his father proud in his club debut. He’s been fantastic.”

Triple M’s Elliott Lovejoy commented: “No real surprise to see how good Tristan Sailor has been today. If you’ve watched any of his games for @SouthsLogan over the last two years he has almost been the best player on the field every single week. Super talent.”

Bloody hell... how good has Tristan Sailor been!? #NRLWarriorsBroncos

— Jeromy Gride (@jeromygride) May 27, 2023

Broncos need to sign Tristan Sailor long term - proper good player.

#NRLWarriorsBroncos

— Mana Rugby (@mana_rugby) May 27, 2023

Broncos coach Kevin Walters praised Sailor’s club debut.

“He’s actually quite a clever footballer,” Walters said. “He’s a real student of the game and he brought his knowledge tonight.

“It was a really good performance, really happy for Tristan, he’s fought back from some really tough times and I thought his character really stood out tonight in the NRL. He’s been waiting a long time to get back in this arena and he didn’t let anyone down tonight.”

Wendell won four premiership with the Broncos during his 196 game career before he crossed codes to become a Wallabies star in 2001.

He returned to rugby league in 2008 with the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he finished his career.

Earlier in the week, Sailor spoke with a tear in his eye about seeing his son don the same jersey he had so much success in.

After such a great performance, it’s likely there would have been a few more tears from the proud dad.