Forging His Own Path: Tristan Sailor’s Journey to St Helens
Tristan Sailor, the 26-year-old rugby league star, has made a significant move to the other side of the world, joining Super League club St Helens. His decision to play in England is a bold step, especially given that his famous father, Wendell Sailor, is a legend in the game. Wendell, a prolific Australian winger, was the top try-scorer and player of the tournament when Australia won the World Cup in 2000. He also won four NRL titles and made a successful switch to rugby union, starting for the Wallabies in the 2003 World Cup final. Despite his father’s iconic status, Tristan is determined to carve his own niche in the sport, 10,000 miles away from the constant comparisons and expectations.
The Double-Edged Sword of a Legacy
Tristan Sailor’s journey to the Super League has been influenced by his father, but in unexpected ways. "Having the last name is a double-edged sword," he admits to Mail Sport. "You get a bit more attention, which can be positive or negative. But it builds resilience because you always have to prove everyone wrong. I use it as motivation." Growing up, Tristan benefited from his father’s expertise, practicing fundamentals like catching and passing. However, as he matured, Wendell stepped back, allowing Tristan to develop his own style and identity. "He wanted to be more of a dad than a coach," Tristan explains. "We chatted a little bit about me moving over here, and he thought it was a good idea, but he lets me do my own thing."
A Brief but Special Connection to England
This isn’t Tristan’s first time in England. When he was just three months old, his father played rugby union for Leeds Tykes during the 1998-99 winter. "When Mum came to visit recently, she was talking about wheeling me through the shopping centers in Leeds," Tristan recalls. "So there is a little connection there, which is pretty special." Despite his father never playing in the Super League, Tristan has found other connections with his new home. He briefly played with St Helens legend James Graham at St George, and Graham’s positive comments about the club and its passionate fans planted the seed for Tristan’s move. "Even then, it was something I always wanted to do," he says. "Come over to the Super League for that community and fan aspect."
Embracing the Cultural Side of Europe
Tristan is more than just a rugby player; he is an English literature graduate with a keen interest in culture. His move to England has provided him with the opportunity to explore the UK and Europe, which he has embraced wholeheartedly. Before joining St Helens, he and his teammates from the Brisbane Broncos visited Amsterdam and celebrated Oktoberfest in Munich, donning lederhosen and singing with the locals. "That was a good injection into European culture," he says. He has also traveled to Paris on his own, exploring bookshops and galleries. "To be so close to so much history and culture is a big thing for me," Tristan notes. "It gives me that satisfaction off the field, which then helps me enjoy my footy even more."
A Fresh Start and New Horizons
Tristan’s move to St Helens comes at a crucial time in his career. He faced a significant setback in October 2020 when he was accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman in Sydney. Although he was eventually cleared of the charges in March 2022, he was without an NRL club during the ordeal. "It was definitely difficult," he admits. "But that period out from the game helped me have that gratitude and made me miss footy. There were positives that came out of it that have set me up for this next period, which is a really exciting time for me." Tristan has signed a two-year contract with St Helens but is already thinking long-term. He even has plans to become a British citizen. "I can definitely see myself staying here for quite a while," he says. "It’s not a stepping stone. I can definitely see myself getting citizenship, which will be cool."
Aiming for Glory with St Helens
Tristan Sailor is one of the most exciting signings of the new Super League season, and he is already being tipped as the second favorite to win this year’s Man of Steel award. His speed, ball-playing skills, and unpredictability on the field make him a formidable addition to the St Helens team. "Speed and ball-playing are things I really pride my game on," he says. "I am a risk-taker on the field. That is something I am not afraid to do because I feel like in the big moments you’ve got to pull the trigger if you feel it." St Helens won a record four successive Grand Finals from 2019 to 2022, but they finished sixth in the table last season and lost their play-off eliminator to Warrington. Tristan is determined to help the club return to its glory days. "Silverware is obviously the end goal for everyone," he adds. "What Wigan achieved last year, to win all four major trophies, was pretty special. It’s a great challenge to come up against a team like that. But I really want to help the boys get back to that period of winning four Grand Finals in a row."
