Wendell Sailor gets emotional talking about Tristan’s Broncos debut

Brisbane legend Wendell Sailor let the emotions come pouring out as he spoke about a huge moment for his son at the Broncos.

Wendell gets emotional about Tristan

NRL icon Wendell Sailor was left with tears in his eyes as he spoke about his son’s upcoming debut with the Brisbane Broncos.

Tristan Sailor will take over the number one jersey for the Broncos this weekend when they take on the New Zealand Warriors.

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The Broncos will be without five players this weekend due to State of Origin duties, allowing Sailor to stake his claim in the fullback position with Reece Walsh selected for Queensland.

Wendell spent the majority of his NRL career in the famous Broncos colours and was emotional as he spoke about this weekend’s debut for his son.

“You must be proud as punch, your son is a Bronco,” Gus Worland said on Triple M’s The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell.

“Yeah I'm happy for him. He trialled well and he’s earned the right to be there,” Wendell said.

“He’s 24 now and like when he called me yesterday morning, Tristan’s obviously got the fullback spot, so he was a little bit nervous because he’s actually not in the top 30.

“He’s actually still trial and train. So he’s actually come from outside the top 30, but that’s okay. After round 10 or 11 they can pick the trial and train I think.

“It’s been great for him he’s worked really hard, he’s studying and he’s actually working some labouring jobs to.”

It was then Worland interjected as he noticed the emotion of the moment creeping up as Wendell spoke about Tristan.

“You have a little tear in your eye,” Worland said.

“I’m just happy for him because I just know there’s been times when, you know, when it’s been tough for him,” Wendell responded.

“So mate a lot of players have got a story, but yeah I’m happy for him.”

The Broncos debut caps off a tough past two years for the son of the NRL legend.

Tristan was charged with sexual assault, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing in March last year.

After being released by the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020 the youngster has built his way back with dominant showings for Queensland Cup outfit Souths Logan.

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer believes the youngster will thrive in his fullback debut against the Warriors.

“I’m really pleased for Tristan,” Lockyer said to the Courier Mail.

obviously sitting behind Reece Walsh and even Selwyn Cobbo at the Broncos in the fullback spot.

“Despite that, he has kept his head up and worked hard at the Magpies (feeder-club Souths Logan) and he has got himself a reward for his effort.

“I think he will do well against the Warriors.”

Tristan Sailor will make his Broncos debut. Picture: Brisbane Broncos

Tristan played five games for the Dragons. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old’s development contract expires at the end of the season, meaning the six week State of Origin period gives him a chance to prove his worth to earning a fully-fledged NRL contract.

He’s regarded as one of the fittest players on the track with teammate Kobe Hetherington labelling him a “freak athlete”.

“Tristan is probably the fittest guy at our club, he was in pre-season,” Kobe Hetherington said.

“I played Queensland Cup earlier in the year with him and he is one of those guys who kills it every game.

“We saw what Tristan could do in the trials, he slotted in at fullback and did well, so we are looking forward to watching him play against the Warriors and I can’t wait to play with him.

“He is everywhere, he doesn’t stop talking from the back and he won’t let you down.

“Tristan is always there when you need him, he is a freakish athlete.”

Originally published as Wendell Sailor gets emotional talking about Tristan’s Broncos debut