St Helens sign Tristan Sailor from Brisbane Broncos

The 26-year-old Australian half-back or full-back – the son of former Kangaroos Test star Wendell Sailor - will join the club next season on a two-year contract.

Sailor, who has been with Broncos for two seasons after starting his NRL career with St George Illawarra Dragons, will arrive in the country later this year to start pre-season for the 2025 campaign.

“I’m so excited to join St Helens,” said Sailor, who has been working under the likes of St Helens-born Lee Briers and Aussie legend Kevin Walters at Brisbane.

“Back when I was at the Dragons, James Graham told me all about the English fans and the Saints fans especially and how passionate they are for their rugby so I’m really looking forward to coming over!

“It’s always been a goal of mine to come over and play in the UK at the top level, so to do that was a big appeal for me and I’m super grateful to Saints for giving me the opportunity to do that.

“Speaking to Paul [Wellens] was great and he helped reassure me and ease my mind because it was a big decision I was making to come across the world, and now I can’t wait.”

Sailor believes the utility value he will offer in the backline will make him a good fit.

“Where I play we’ll wait and see – I’m quite relaxed about it,” he said.

“I just love playing footy and to be able to do it in one of those positions would be fantastic.”

Tristan Sailor getting his wind back at a Brisbane Broncos training session (Image: YouTube)

Sailor understands what is expected playing at Saints – a demand to win silverware!

“It’s always been a big goal of mine to win a trophy,” he said.

“I’ve been with Broncos in the extended squad last year when they went to the Grand Final and just came up short. Seeing the history of Saints and its success I’m sure will help me achieve what I want to.

“I want to help the team to getting more silverware and I’m going to work as hard as I can to do that.”

Sailor has 18 NRL appearances under his belt, with a further 60 in the New South Wales and Queensland Cup competitions where he stood out as a star with 23 tries and 65 goals scored.

Wellens said: “First of all Tristan is an exciting player, he has got some attacking flair and is a player I am sure the fans will look forward to watching play.

“He is a determined player and he is coming over because he wants to be part of a successful team. I am sure he will come in and improve our team.

“The fact he can play at full-back or at six, similar to Jack Welsby, gives us options but we don’t need to make decisions too soon on where he plays. What we do know, and what we are confident in, is he will add a lot to our team.

“Tristan has played in some big games and he’s still young, hungry and focused on success. We hope to help him achieve his ambitions and we feel confident in doing that at St Helens.”