Scott Sattler sings Tristan Sailor's praises amid warning to Broncos over NRL rivals
The Broncos have two brilliant fullbacks, but only one can wear the No.1 jersey.
NRL great Scott Sattler has called for Tristan Sailor to take maximum advantage of his games in charge of the No.1 jersey at the Broncos while Reece Walsh sits on the sidelines for a number of weeks. Arguably the No.1 fullback in the game, Walsh will miss four to six weeks after a controversial incident with Taylan May saw him fracture his cheek bone in the NRL grand final rematch last week.
The 21-year-old superstar avoided surgery but will miss up to six weeks, which included the Broncos' impressive victory over the Cowboys on Friday night. And in that performance, replacement fullback Sailor stood out in a brilliant showing.
Playing second fiddle to Walsh in 2024, many have called for coach Kevin Walters to use Sailor off the bench this year due to his X-factor. However, Sailor - son of NRL great Wendell Sailor - had to wait until round four to get a match.
And the fullback was stellar having run for 198 metres and made five tackle busts to help ignite the Broncos attack. Sailor admitted on Monday he was looking to cement a position in the 17 when Walsh returns to take back the fullback spot. And Panthers great Sattler has called for Sailor to make sure he impressed other clubs because he will be coming off contract in the near future.
“What I loved about Tristan’s game was he didn’t try and overcomplicate things. He just went out and did his job. He was safe and reliable, very Dylan Edwards-like,” Sattler said on SEN Radio.
“He hasn’t got a place there in the future as a fullback because of Reece (Walsh) being so young but I gotta say, when you get asked to play in those positions at clubs… you sell yourself to other clubs, and Tristan Sailor will find himself at another club one day.”
Tristan Sailor to demand offers from rival NRL clubs
Sailor comes off contract in 2026 and can start negotiating with clubs in November. While Sailor is tipped to stay on with the Broncos, other clubs will be circling due to his skills.
“I think he’ll commit himself to the Broncos because the Broncos have been so good and supportive towards him,” Sattler added. “But y’know he’s selling himself to other clubs and when you sell yourself to other clubs, and you have good seasons, you get more money, and that’s what it’s about in the short period in the game.”
Sailor will have a big chance to impress this Thursday against the Storm. The Broncos will travel to Melbourne and will look to showcase their title credentials once again having started the season 2-2 with losses to Manly and the Panthers.
