Sailor confirms new Broncos deal, thanks dad Wendell

Joel Gould | July 2, 2023

Tristan Sailor credited the wonderful gift of confidence that his illustrious father Wendell gave him as he confirmed he was set to sign a new two-year extension with the Broncos.

The 25-year-old is on a development contract this year after being given a train and trial contract with the Broncos in the pre-season.

After playing his second NRL game for the Broncos at fullback in the 24-16 win over the Dolphins on Saturday night, the former St George Illawarra utility confirmed his new deal.

“I should be signing that over the next few weeks, so very excited to stay here,” Sailor said after filling in for the suspended Reece Walsh.

“The club has stood by me and been very good to me, so I like to repay the favour.

“I had a long hard think but at the Broncos the environment is so good and I think we’re building a really good premiership team.”

Sailor was cleared of sexual assault charges in March last year and set about rebuilding his career after leaving the Dragons.

His linking with the Broncos follows after his father Wendell Sailor played 189 games for the club and won three premierships.

“He worked on fundamentals with me, but I reckon the best thing he ever gave me was confidence because he’s the most confident person in the world,” Sailor said.

“I think I have got a sort of toned down version of that, but I’m definitely confident with trying stuff.”

Sailor looks at coach Kevin Walters and his son Billy, the team’s hooker, as another family connection at the Broncos that he shares with father Wendell.

“The Broncos is such a prestigious club in its own right and then to have that sort of legacy is so awesome,” Sailor said.

“You see Billy (Walters) walking around too. We used to hang out as kids, and he’s got (son) Hugo running around now, which is just unbelievable and it sort of shows that the Broncos have that legacy and it’s filtering down through generations.”

Sailor said there was interest from elsewhere before he committed to Brisbane.

“I think there was interest from the Bulldogs and some Super League stuff, but I love the Broncos,” he said.

“We have a lot of young guys coming through. The fullback stocks are pretty stocked around the NRL and I can just stay here, play with Reyno (half Adam Reynolds), learn from Washy and bide my time or just keep learning.”

Sailor has played in the halves before in the NRL and if and when skipper Reynolds decides to retire it could open up another opportunity

“Reyno is so helpful and teaches you so much stuff, so it’s always on the cards,” he said.

“I think Reyno has still got plenty of footy left in him. I will definitely learn as much as I can off him and if that move came, then I’d be more than happy to take it.”