3 minute read

Utility Tristan Sailor will aim to secure a regular starting position at St Helens when he leaves the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the s<i>eason.</i>

Tristan Sailor has explained why he is leaving Brisbane for St Helens and credits wisdom from former Saints forward James Graham for making the move.

The 26-year-old, who will come off the bench against North Queensland on Saturday night, secured a release from the final year of his Broncos deal to sign a two-year contract with the Super League powerhouse who he will link with at the end of the NRL season.

Former international Graham played 225 games for St Helens and lit a fire in Sailor.

'"Obviously I was at the (St George) Dragons with James Graham and he told me all about the club," Sailor said.

"He is a club legend there and he told me about the history of it and how passionate the fans are, similar to the Broncos.

"That English blood runs a bit more red so it will be interesting seeing what the crowds are like.

"I have good mates over there and (former Dragons half) Adam Clune who is playing for Huddersfield has told me what the lifestyle is like.

"To be able to play in an elite competition at a good team, like St Helens, and see that part of the world is something I wanted to look into.

"I am grateful for the Broncos giving me that opportunity and releasing me with a year left on my contract."

Sailor has been in an out of the Broncos side over the past two seasons and has been utilised as a fill-in player rather than a team regular.

At St Helens he has set his sights on a starting position at fullback or in the halves.

"Jack Welsby is an international and someone who plays similar positions to me that I can work alongside," Sailor said. "Jack and I both play fullback and five-eighth so pre-season it is going to be a matter of what the coaches want. One of us will play in either spot. When I get there it is something we will figure out."

With the NRL set to expand, most likely from 2027 with a Perth side, Sailor could put himself in the frame to return to the NRL with options if he can make a success of his stint.

"It is a tough one," he said.

"If I go over there and enjoy it I might want to stay. I have signed for two years at Saints and can really improve my game and be consistent in a high level comp.

"I want to learn as much as I can and play top flight footy."