NRL news: Tristan Sailor clinches full-time contract with Brisbane Broncos

MARKET WATCH: After stunning Broncos players and coaching staff with his attitude and work ethic, Tristan Sailor has clinched a contract extension as he prepares to replace Reece Walsh.

Tristan Sailor has signed a new deal with the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: Liam Kidston

Brisbane bolter Tristan Sailor has overcome two years of legal hell and capped a triumphant NRL fightback by clinching a full-time contract with the Broncos.

This masthead can reveal Sailor will be handed an upgraded two-year extension as the son of Broncos legend Wendell prepares to replace Reece Walsh at fullback in Brisbane’s Gabba clash with the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Just 12 months ago, Sailor returned to Queensland to rebuild his life after a harrowing off-field ordeal to clear his name following sexual-assault allegations while at the Dragons.

Cleared of any wrongdoing, Sailor severed ties with St George Illawarra and joined Brisbane’s Queensland Cup feeder club Souths Logan with no guarantee of ever returning to the NRL with the Broncos.

Tristan Sailor has clinched a full-time contract with the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: Liam Kidston

But the 25-year-old has stunned Broncos players and coaching staff with an attitude and work ethic that saw him emerge as Brisbane’s fittest player in pre-season.

With Walsh suspended for three games, Sailor will fill the fullback void against the Dolphins and the ultimate reward will come with his promotion from a $70,000 development deal to a fully-fledged Broncos contract.

Broncos recruitment chief Simon Scanlan said Sailor deserved a contract upgrade until the end of 2025 after proving a slick understudy to Queensland Origin star Walsh.

“Tristan is a great story,” Scanlan said.

“He came here to Queensland himself.

“I remember he was kicking a football on the field with Jordan Pereira (Broncos winger) one day and he said he had joined Souths Logan.

“He started with Souths Logan midway through last year and made a difference to them straight away, so we offered him a train-and-trial deal.

“Then he was brilliant for us in pre-season and he was rewarded with a development contract.

“Reece is obviously our first-choice fullback but it’s great to have another option in Tristan, who can play a number of positions.”

Tristan Sailor has proved a slick understudy to Queensland Origin star Reece Walsh. Picture: Liam Kidston

Broncos coach Kevin Walters added: “Tristan is just like Reece, he loves playing the game.”

Wendell scored 110 tries from 189 games for Brisbane as one of the finest wingers of his generation but Tristan will achieve something his famous father never did _ wear Broncos colours at the Gabba.

Sailor Jnr will play his second Broncos game against the Dolphins and if his maiden outing was any barometer, Brisbane’s backfield is safe.

The former Dragons flyer was outstanding in his Broncos debut against the Warriors in round 13, amassing 111 running metres, four tackles and a try assist in Brisbane’s crucial 26-22 away win in New Zealand.

Tristan Sailor stunned Broncos players and coaching staff with his attitude and work ethic. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Now Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds is backing Sailor to trouble the Dolphins and help Brisbane hit back from last week’s shock 18-12 loss to the Titans.

Broncos players have been impressed with Sailor’s football intellect and he is one of the club’s most vocal players when formulating game plans.

“Tristan has been unreal,” Reynolds said.

“He has trained the house down, he has earned an upgrade on his contract and he has been preparing us really well and manipulating the other team’s star players.

“When you have someone like that prepping you every week, it gets you up for your own game.

“He has been one of the key factors in why we have been playing so well.”

Scanlan is adamant Sailor, who played five top-grade games at the Dragons in 2019-20, is a long-term NRL player.

“Tristan is a natural trainer,” Scanlan said.

“He has a good work ethic, great attitude towards training and good endurance and speed.

“He has good instincts as a footy player, but he is also very smart. He thinks ahead and at fullback, he makes that difference, he has that athleticism and speed and he is very smart in the way he plays.

“Tristan is a great athlete.”