‘I realise that it’s now up to me’: Sailor wants an NRL return

Former Dragons player Tristan Sailor has revealed what inspired him to seek a return to the NRL after more than a year and a half away from competition.

Former Dragons player Tristan Sailor is eyeing a return to the NRL after more than a year and a half away from first grade.

Speaking for the first time since being found not guilty of aggravated sexual assault, Sailor has started the journey back with Brisbane Broncos feeder club Souths Logan Magpies in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup.

“Obviously you mix a sport you love playing and you get paid to really focus in on it, it’s something I do want to get back into,” said Sailor, the son of dual-international Wendell.

“I realise that it’s now up to me to earn that again, it’s not an opportunity that’s just going to be given.

“I have to play consistent footy, make sure I’m continuously working on my game, and then hopefully get the opportunity up there with whoever is interested in me.”

Sailor said that he almost walked away from the sport after the legal proceedings, which he said probably stopped him from signing with any other clubs.

Sailor leaving Downing Centre courts on March 31 after being found not guilty. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The 23-year-old completed his second university degree during his time away from the game, and is currently studying law with a university in Melbourne.

While he considered moving south to focus on his studies, Sailor was inspired to return to rugby league after speaking with Maroons legend Justin Hodges, who is an assistant coach at the Magpies.

Former Dragons teammate Jordan Pereira also helped convinced Sailor to return, with the pair now lining up as outside backs for the Magpies this season.

“It was a tough one because there was a period where I was just getting in the swing of things, figuring out what I was going to do,’’ he said.

“Because I’m doing a law degree down in Melbourne at the moment.

“There was a stage where I thought I might just move down to Melbourne (to) fully invest myself in the degree, but I think that I just miss playing footy so much.

“It never really crossed my mind to move up to Brisbane and play Q Cup or anything like that, but I had Justin Hodges, because he’s assistant coach, he spoke to me for a bit.

“Then when Jordy (Jordan Pereira) called me, he was probably the main reasons that I moved up.”

Sailor said that he’s returned to rugby league with a renewed love for the sport.

He scored a try on debut for the Magpies last month and has been named to start at fullback against the Burleigh Bears on Sunday afternoon at Davies Park.

“I was actually meant to be playing my first game this weekend, but then during the week (Round 5), our fullback got Covid.

“The time away, I regained by love for it. It wasn’t a job, it was a sport I played since I was a little kid running around on the beach or in the park.

“To get back out there and play (with) mum and dad watching, to play with Jordy (Jordan) Pereira too because we had a really good bond when he was at Dragons, it was just awesome.”

Originally published as ‘I realise that it’s now up to me’: Sailor wants an NRL return