Tristan Sailor, a fullback with the Brisbane Broncos, has allegedly received approval to go to the English Super League, effective right away.
Sailor is stuck behind receiver Ryan Walsh at the Broncos. Although he re-signed with the team in recent months to ensure he would stick around until at least the end of the 2025 season—the team where his father Wendell made his name—it now looks he will sign a three-year contract with the Leigh Leopards.
It is known that the Broncos will release a statement and won’t obstruct his transfer.
According to The League Scene Podcast, they have confirmation that Sailor has been granted permission to enter the UK with a visa, meaning the deal with Leigh may be signed within a few days.
Sailor was first rumored to be leaving the Broncos in recent weeks, but there’s no guarantee the fullback will take over as Brisbane’s top jumper even if Walsh isn’t available because the club also has options like Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo, who is likely to stick on the wing in 2024 but has big plans to play fullback.
Sailor was reportedly in talks with the London Broncos at one point.
The backup fullback, who had off-field problems after starting his NRL career with the St George Illawarra Dragons, only participated in four NRL games during his debut season as a Bronco, but he was quite active in the QLD Cup over the most of the year.
Due to Walsh’s now-likely move to England, the Broncos may have to rely on Cobbo or Arthars to play fullback in the event that Walsh is injured, suspended, or unavailable during the State of Origin period. However, this could present an opportunity for development player Israel Leota to make his first-grade debut on the wing. In 2025, Leota will join the Top 30 squad.
In addition, the Broncos have Corey Oates on staff. Despite his experience after an injury-plagued year, Oates was not among the top 17 players at the conclusion of 2023.
Herbie Farnworth chose to join the Dolphins, therefore Brisbane will also be missing him from their backfield in 2024. However, Deine Mariner, a promising player, will take his place.
In Brisbane’s backline, Kevin Walters may also deploy players like Delouise Hoeter and Jordan Pereira.
After finishing fifth in the 2023 Super League, Leigh was eliminated by Hull KR in the first week of the playoffs. Nevertheless, Leigh emerged victorious in the 2023 Challenge Cup and entered 2024 with few losses on their record, having also acquired five-eighth Matt Moylan.
With the departure of Oliver Gildart for Hull KR, Sailor would most likely replace Zach Hardaker as the team’s top jumper. Irishman Ed Chamberlain would also be available to play in the second row if necessary.
Along with other former NRL players, the Adrian Lam-coached team also includes Ricky Leutele, John Asiata, Ben Nakubuwai, Kai O’Donnell, and Ava Seumanufagai.
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